Koval leaves LSU amid Russia-linked recruit signing

Ukrainian forward Kate Koval announced she is leaving LSU’s women’s basketball program after LSU signed Russian center Anna Minaeva, saying the roster move conflicts with her values and country amid the war in Ukraine. She highlighted her father’s service in the Ukrainian military and said she wasn’t informed Minaeva was joining until after the transfer portal closed, prompting her to seek a transfer for the 2026–27 season. LSU coach Kim Mulkey had described Koval’s departure as for “personal reasons.”