Baylor announced Saturday that it had signed Ukrainian center Kate Koval, who left LSU several weeks ago after Tigers coach Kim Mulkey added a Russian player. Koval is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches and will play for coach Nicki Collen.
The NCAA granted Koval a legislative relief waiver earlier this week, permitting her to enter the transfer portal outside its normal window, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press because the person was not authorized to comment publicly.
Koval explained in a social media post last week that Russia’s war against Ukraine had affected people close to her, including people who were killed or wounded. She also said missile strikes damaged places where she grew up and first played basketball.
Koval wrote that those circumstances made her question whether LSU was the right fit, while recognizing that roster decisions are part of college basketball, and that she needed to follow her values and support Ukraine.
She recorded 8.3 points per game for LSU last season. Her averages also included 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. At Notre Dame, where she began college, Koval averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in the 2024-25 season.
