LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey confirmed that junior forward Kate Koval will leave the program for personal reasons, a decision that comes just weeks before the team's first scheduled game on November 2 against Southeastern Louisiana.
Koval, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, had appeared in 17 contests during the 2025‑26 campaign, contributing 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while establishing herself as a key presence in the frontcourt.
Her departure follows a promising freshman season at Notre Dame, where she earned All‑ACC Freshman honors and was regarded as one of the most versatile big players in the conference.
The news also brings renewed attention to Anna Minaeva, a recent signing who was expected to become the first Ukrainian‑Russian pair in collegiate women's basketball since the onset of the Russo‑Ukrainian war, a prospect that Mulkey said could serve as a subtle gesture of peace.
While Minaeva's role remains to be defined, the Tigers will look to Grace Knox, a sophomore who posted 8.8 points and 4.6 rebounds as a freshman, to fill the void left by Koval's exit.
Knox's steady production and defensive reliability have already earned her a larger share of minutes in practice, and coaches believe she can step into the starting lineup without a significant drop in performance.
Looking Ahead to November
The Tigers are scheduled to tip off against Southeastern Louisiana on November 2, marking the first test of a revamped frontcourt and the debut of Knox in a starting role. The early season schedule will provide a crucial gauge of how the team responds to the personnel changes.
Mulkey emphasized that the team will need to adapt quickly, noting that the roster transition occurs with just over two months before the season opener, giving the staff limited time to integrate new lineups and strategies.
Despite the setback, the program remains focused on maintaining its competitive edge in the SEC, and the coaching staff is confident that the blend of returning talent and fresh additions will keep the Tigers poised for a strong campaign.