Kate Koval signs with Baylor after leaving LSU over Russian signing

Ukrainian center Kate Koval has signed with Baylor University in Texas for the 2026-27 season, days after college basketball officials granted her special permission to leave LSU.

The move closes a transfer saga that started when Koval left Louisiana State University after her first season. The NCAA, which runs college sports in the United States, approved a transfer waiver at LSU's request. That waiver let Koval enter the transfer portal — the system players use to signal they are open to other schools — even though the normal transfer window closed in April, CBS Sports reported on 12 September.

Koval, 20, played in all 35 of LSU's games last season. She averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a first-year post player, the tall player who usually operates near the basket.

Her departure was first announced as being for personal reasons. Koval has now said the reason was Russia's invasion of Ukraine. LSU had signed 17-year-old Anna Minaeva, a Russian player, before Koval left, BBC reported on 13 September.

Koval said the signing felt deeply personal because her father serves in the Ukrainian military. LSU coach Kim Mulkey brought in the Russian recruit, according to the Washington Post.

The details of her decision were first laid out in an ESPN report titled 'Koval details LSU exit: Adding Russian player deeply personal.' CBS Sports reporter Isabel Gonzalez then reported Koval's commitment to Baylor once the waiver was approved.

For Baylor fans, this means a proven young big is joining the roster. Koval already has a full season of high-level college basketball behind her. For LSU, it ends a difficult offseason split with a regular starter.