A Roster Built on Resilience
LSU’s women’s basketball program has taken an unusual turn this offseason, as head coach Kim Mulkey has reached across continents to bring in players from Russia and Ukraine.
Anna Minaeva, a 6‑foot‑5 center who already competes professionally in her native Russia, was added to the roster despite being older than most college prospects and amid the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war.
Joining her is Kate Koval, a Ukrainian forward born and raised in Kyiv. Koval’s father, Oleksandr, serves as a drone operator on the front lines, and his recent trip to the United States to watch an LSU game has added a personal layer to her story.
Mulkey met Koval in the parking lot of her apartment complex to discuss Minaeva’s recruitment, emphasizing respect for Koval’s feelings and the precarious situation of her family.
The class also welcomes Noa Morro, a Spanish forward whose versatility should add depth to the lineup, and Grace Knox, a 6‑foot sophomore who can stretch the floor and play more on the perimeter this season.
Mulkey envisions Minaeva and Koval sharing the ball, highlighting their potential as complementary pieces, while also noting that the shared locker‑room experience could become an uplifting narrative for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Beyond the court, the coach hopes the presence of these international athletes will serve as a living example of unity and positive representation, using basketball as a bridge amid geopolitical tension.