Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval left Louisiana State University’s women’s basketball program last month after LSU signed Russian player Anna Minaeva on August 14, 2025 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The 20-year-old Koval had two years of collegiate eligibility remaining, making her departure significant [1, 2, 4].
Anna Minaeva, 17, previously played for MBA Moscow, a professional women’s basketball club in Russia, before LSU signed her [1, 3, 4]. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said on August 24 that Koval left for personal reasons but did not elaborate further at the time [1, 3, 4].
On September 2, Koval publicly confirmed her decision was deeply affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the signing of a Russian player to the team [1, 3, 4]. "The timing of this situation and the deeply personal effect it has had on me, my family, and those we care about who continue to live through and fight this war ultimately made me question whether LSU remained the right place for me," Koval said. "While I understand and respect that roster decisions are a part of college basketball, I have to remain true to myself, my values, and my country" [1].
Koval’s father serves in the Ukrainian military, and she has experienced personal losses and destruction in Ukraine due to Russian attacks [1, 2, 3, 4]. She said, "My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression" [2].
Before her departure, Koval played in all 35 games of her sophomore season, averaging 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and totaling 43 blocks [1, 3, 4].
Mulkey explained she could not exclude a player who could help the program over a geopolitical conflict. "I couldn't make a decision to not recruit somebody that can help our program because of a conflict between two countries. You never know, maybe they could be ambassadors and help end the war," Mulkey said [4].
Koval hopes the NCAA will recognize her situation and allow her to transfer to another school despite the transfer portal currently being closed. "I hope the NCAA recognizes the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter," she added [1, 2, 3, 4].
