Baylor has signed Ukrainian center Kate Koval, the school announced Saturday, after she departed LSU several weeks ago. Koval’s decision followed LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s addition of a Russian player to the Tigers’ roster.
Koval was permitted to enter the NCAA transfer portal outside the standard transfer period after receiving a legislative relief waiver. The NCAA approved the waiver earlier this week, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously because the person was not authorized to discuss it publicly.
Koval explained her decision in a social media post last week, saying the war between Russia and Ukraine had directly affected her family and community. She wrote that people close to her had been killed or injured in Russian attacks, while locations where she grew up and began playing basketball had been damaged 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,” Koval wrote.
She added that she understood roster decisions were part of college basketball but needed to remain aligned with her values and country.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval’s 6-foot-5 size, scoring near the basket, shot-blocking and ability to contribute from the perimeter would add to the team’s offense and defense. Collen also described Koval as a strong student and said Baylor supporters would appreciate her on and off the court.
