Kate Koval of Ukraine leaves LSU following the Tigers' signing of a Russian player

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.

LSU coach Kim Mulkey said Monday night that the 6-foot-5 Koval was leaving for “personal reasons,” adding that the program will “respect her privacy on her decision.”

“We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her,” Mulkey continued. “I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.”

Koval, who was born in Kyiv, began her college career at Notre Dame. She transferred before last season to LSU, where she averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

LSU recently signed Anna Minaeva, a 6-5 post player who previously played professionally with MBA Moscow.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and the two countries have been at war since.

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