Ukrainian quits American basketball programme over Russian signing

Kate Koval averaged 8.3 points per game last season Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has left Louisiana State University’s women’s basketball programme after the team signed Russian player Anna Minaeva, saying Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine made the decision deeply personal.

Koval, who was expected to play a key role for LSU this season, announced her departure in a statement posted on Instagram on Friday after the university had initially described her exit as being for “personal reasons.”

“At the conclusion of last season, I fully intended to return and continue my collegiate career at LSU. However, in April, several days after the transfer portal had closed, I was informed of the decision to sign a Russian player,” Koval wrote.

The 20-year-old said her connection to the war made it impossible for her to treat the signing as an ordinary roster decision.

“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,” she said.

Koval said the timing of Minaeva’s arrival and the impact of the war on her family ultimately caused her to reconsider her future at LSU.

“The timing of this situation and the deep 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,” she wrote.

She acknowledged that roster decisions are part of college basketball but said her personal values had to take priority.

“This decision has not been easy,” Koval said. “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.”

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey had previously said Koval told her she was leaving for personal reasons.

“Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best,” Mulkey said.

Koval, who has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining, is now hoping the NCAA will allow her to transfer despite the closure of the transfer portal and compete elsewhere during the 2026-27 season.

“I hope the NCAA recognises the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter,” she said.

Despite her decision to leave, Koval expressed gratitude for her time in Baton Rouge.

“I felt I had found a home at LSU, and I am incredibly grateful for my team-mates who became family, as well as my coaches, staff, professors and the entire LSU community,” she said.

“I will always cherish the relationships, experiences, and memories I made there.”