Kate Koval departs LSU following signing of Russian player

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ukrainian center Kate Koval has left LSU shortly after the Tigers signed a Russian player, Anna Minaeva. LSU coach Kim Mulkey stated that Koval's departure was for personal reasons and emphasized the program's respect for her privacy. Koval, who previously played at Notre Dame, averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game at LSU. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has impacted Koval's family, with her mother relocating to Canada and her father remaining in Kyiv.