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Why did Kate Koval leave LSU women’s basketball? Netizens speculate over Russian recruit, father's Ukraine ties
Kate Koval’s departure further thins LSU’s frontcourt, leaving the Tigers with limited experience in the paint heading into the 2026-27 season.
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LSU women’s basketball has lost forward Kate Koval ahead of the 2026-27 season, with head coach Kim Mulkey confirming her departure Monday night.
Why did Kate Koval leave LSU?
Mulkey said Koval informed her on Sunday that she had decided to leave the program after carefully considering the decision, citing personal reasons for her exit.
"Kate came to me on Sunday and told me that after much consideration, she will be leaving the program for personal reasons," Mulkey said.
Koval, who is from Ukraine, was expected to be one of six returning players on Mulkey’s roster from last season. Her departure leaves LSU with another experienced piece missing, particularly in the frontcourt, where the Tigers already have limited experience heading into the new campaign.
Fans speculate over Koval’s exit
Although Koval has not publicly indicated any connection between her departure and LSU’s recent roster moves, speculation quickly emerged among fans online.
The discussion centers on LSU adding Russian player Anna Minaeva earlier this month and whether that decision could have influenced Koval’s choice to leave.
Some fans questioned the timing of the two developments and wondered whether Minaeva’s arrival played any role in Koval’s departure.
Fans question Russian player signing connection
"Wonder if it has anything to do with bringing a Russian on the team." one user wrote on X.
Another fan directly asked, "Is it because of the Russian player? "
The speculation has also been linked to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. One fan pointed to Koval’s Ukrainian background and claimed her family connection to the conflict could make the situation particularly sensitive.
"Kate Kloval is a Ukrainian player who's father is actively fighting Russia on the battlefield. Makes sense she quit after they recruited a Russian player. I would've quit too." the fan wrote.
There has been no confirmation from Koval or LSU that Mineava’s recruitment had anything to do with the Ukrainian forward’s decision to leave the program.
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However, the circumstances surrounding Koval’s departure have drawn additional attention following comments reported by journalist Reed Darcey earlier last week.
Did Mulkey discuss Russian Signing with Koval prior?
Darcey reported that Kim Mulkey had spoken with Koval before LSU moved forward with recruiting Russian player Anna Mineava, acknowledging that the Russia-Ukraine war has a personal dimension for Koval because her father serves in the Ukrainian military.
Mulkey addressed the difficult situation while discussing LSU’s decision to pursue Mineava, making it clear that she did not want the international conflict to prevent the Tigers from adding a player who could contribute to the program.
"I cannot make a decision to not recruit somebody that can help our program because of a conflict between two countries,” Mulkey had said as reported by NOLA last week.
Koval’s two-year college run
On the court, Koval was an important part of LSU’s rotation last season. The 6-foot-5 forward appeared in 35 games and made 17 starts during her lone season with the Tigers.
Before transferring to LSU, Koval began her collegiate career at Notre Dame, where she played 32 games and started 10 times.
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Across her two seasons of college basketball, Koval averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, establishing herself as a productive presence in the frontcourt.
