Kate Koval in portal, left LSU after addition of Russian recruit

Ukrainian forward Kate Koval is in the transfer portal after leaving LSU over the addition of a Russian recruit.

USA Today reported on Thursday that the NCAA granted Koval a "legislative relief waiver" to play for a new team this season.

The 6-foot-5 Koval averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in 35 games (17 starts) for the Tigers last season after playing her 2024-25 freshman season at Notre Dame.

After LSU coach Kim Mulkey announced the signing of Russian center Anna Minaeva on Aug. 14, Koval decided to leave the program.

Koval later explained her choice, noting that her father is a drone operator for the Ukrainian military in its ongoing war with Russia.

"For me, this war is not distant or abstract," she posted on Instagram on Sept. 2. "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."

In that post, Koval said she hoped "the NCAA recognizes the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter."

With the transfer portal closed, Koval would have had to sit out the 2026-27 season had she not been granted the waiver.