Kate Koval Leaves LSU Over Russian Player | Huntsville News

Kate Koval, former LSU basketball star, breaks her silence on leaving the team after coach Kim Mulkey signed Russian player Anna Minaeva — a move she couldn’t support given her father’s service in Ukraine’s military and the personal toll of the war. Though ineligible to play this season due to transferring after the portal closed, Koval is seeking an NCAA exception to return for 2026-27. She played 35 games last season, averaging 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. Mulkey defended the signing, saying roster needs trump politics — and hopes both players can become unlikely peace ambassadors. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d450a1d1d7304eaf