Ukrainian player leaves American basketball team after Russian signing

Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has left Louisiana State University’s women’s basketball team after they signed Russian player Anna Minaeva. She said Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine made her decision very personal.

Koval, who was expected to play an important role for LSU this season, announced her departure in a statement posted on Instagram on Friday. The university had first described her exit as being for "personal reasons."

“At the end of last season, I planned to return and continue my college career at LSU. But in April, a few days after the transfer portal closed, I learned about the decision to sign a Russian player,” Koval wrote.

The 20-year-old said her connection to the war made it hard for her to see the signing as a normal team decision.

“My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes great pride in defending his country against Russian attacks.

“For me, this war is not far away or just an idea. People close to me have died and been hurt in Russian attacks, and places where I grew up and started playing basketball have been destroyed by missiles,” she said.

Koval said the timing of Minaeva’s signing and the impact of the war on her family made her rethink her future at LSU.

“The timing of this situation and how deeply it affects me, my family, and those we care about who continue to live through and fight this war made me question if LSU was still the right place for me,” she wrote.

She recognized that team decisions are part of college basketball but said her personal values must come first.

“This decision has not been easy,” Koval said. “While I get that team decisions are part of college basketball, I have to stay true to myself, my values, and my country.”

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

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

Koval, who has two years left in her college eligibility, is now hoping the NCAA will allow her to transfer despite the transfer portal being closed. She wants to compete elsewhere during the 2026-27 season.

“I hope the NCAA sees the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands how serious this matter is,” 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 very grateful for my teammates who became family, as well as my coaches, staff, professors, and the whole LSU community,” she said.

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