Ukrainian center Kate Koval details leaving LSU after recruitment of Russian player‎

LSU center Kate Koval, who is from Ukraine, said on Wednesday her decision to leave the program is based on the Tigers recruiting a Russian player at her position. Last week, coach Kim Mulkey said the 6-foot-5 center was leaving for “personal decisions” but alluded to the signing of Anna Minaeva, who has played for a pro club in Moscow. Koval’s father serves in the Ukrainian military, which has been at war since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Mulkey’s decision to sign Minaeva and timing in informing Ko