A Sudden Departure
Kate Koval, a 6‑foot‑5 junior center who arrived at LSU from Ukraine, announced that she would be leaving the program for personal reasons, bringing an end to a two‑year stint that had made her one of the most versatile post players in the SEC.
Her departure comes after a season in which she started 17 games, contributed 43 blocks and helped the Lady Tigers secure a top‑ten national ranking in shot‑blocking, a statistic that placed her among the country’s most dominant interior defenders.
A New Face in the Paint
Coach Kim Mulkey, who has guided LSU to multiple national championships, used the offseason to address the vacancy, setting her sights on Anna Minaeva, a 6‑foot‑5 freshman from Russia who is expected to arrive on campus for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Minaeva’s arrival is seen as a direct response to the need for a low‑post presence, and early reports suggest she brings a blend of size, shooting range and defensive instincts that could reshape the Tigers’ interior game.
Experience Returns on the Perimeter
The team will still be anchored by senior guards Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley, whose combined scoring and playmaking have made them the backbone of the offense and leaders on the defensive end.
Their return, coupled with the addition of Minaeva, gives LSU a blend of veteran savvy and fresh talent that Mulkey believes can translate into a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and a realistic shot at the SEC title.
Beyond the court, the program continues to honor the privacy of Koval’s personal circumstances, a stance that reflects a broader commitment to player well‑being within the competitive landscape of college athletics.