Kate Koval Leaves LSU After Russian 17-Year-Old Signing, Seeks 2026-27 NCAA Eligibility
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 3
Kate Koval Leaves LSU After Russian 17-Year-Old Signing, Seeks 2026-27 NCAA Eligibility
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 3
Summary
Kate Koval said she quit LSU and withdrew from the university after learning in April—days after the transfer portal closed—that the program had signed 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva.
Koval said the move became untenable because her father serves in the Ukrainian army and Russian aggression has killed or seriously injured friends and relatives.
Kim Mulkey said she recruited Minaeva because she could help LSU win, adding she would not refuse a player over a conflict between two countries.
Koval said she had planned to return for another season and now hopes the NCAA will let her play elsewhere in 2026-27 despite the timing of her exit.