In the last week of August 2026, LSU's roster rebuilding plans took a big hit. Shortly after the Tigers had signed a 17-year-old Russian talent, Kate Koval decided to leave the program. Coach Kim Mulkey announced on August 24 that while the decision was tough for everyone involved, Koval would no longer play for LSU. Now, nearly three weeks after leaving, the Ukrainian player has finally signed with another team.
Following the NCAA granting Kate Koval a legislative relief waiver, which was basically her ticket out of the LSU Tigers, it did not take long for the 6'5″ Ukrainian to find a new home, as Koval has officially joined Baylor . However, the reason for Koval's request to join a new team was not the usual, to say the least.
Earlier this month, Koval revealed that the reason for her departure from LSU was that the program brought in a Russian player, Anna Minaeva, who previously played professionally with MBA Moscow. Koval posted her statement on Instagram.
"My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression. For me, this war is not distant or abstract. People close to me have been killed and wounded in Russian attacks, and places where I grew up and first began playing basketball have been destroyed by missile strikes."
"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. This decision has not been easy. 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."
After her legislative relief waiver was approved, Koval was allowed to enter the transfer portal outside of the normal window, according to a source from The Associated Press. The 6'5″ forward is now with the Bears, and after hearing head coach Nicki Collen's words on her arrival, Koval is looking like the perfect fit.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Kate to Baylor. She has played at an elite level over the last two seasons and has shown the consistent ability to score around the rim and protect the rim."
"… She is an elite student with a big heart for others, and our fans will love her on and off the court."
Interestingly enough, Kate Koval joins the team that her previous head coach at LSU, Kim Mulkey, helped make a national powerhouse. Under her 21-year leadership, Baylor won three NCAA titles in 2005, 2012, and 2019. In addition, the Bears never had a season with fewer than 24 wins during her tenure, winning at least 20 games in all 21 seasons.
Last season, Koval averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks for Mulkey. Koval made 17 starts and made all 35 appearances, and her 43 blocks during the season and ranked 11th in the Southeastern Conference.
Before LSU, the center averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 10 starts for Notre Dame in her All-ACC Freshman Team season. She also recorded 40 assists with 55 blocks in South Bend, the fourth-most blocks by a freshman in Fighting Irish history, highlighted by a career-high seven blocks at Lafayette.
Kate Koval joins a team that recorded 25-9 last season under Collen and a 13-5 mark in the Big 12. The Bears reached the Round of 32 in the NCAA tournament, with their season concluding following a 69-46 loss to No. 8 seed Duke. But with the addition of the 6'5″ Ukrainian, Baylor would feel much more confident about making a better run in the NCAA tournament next season.
Meanwhile, Kim Mulkey has also stood by her decision to sign the Russian player. Following Koval's departure, she explained that the two had a long conversation about the signing. Mulkey told The New Orleans Advocate that while she respected Koval and her family, she couldn't walk back on a decision she had taken to benefit the program.
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