LSU announced Monday night that Ukrainian center Kate Koval will leave the women's basketball program after one season with the Tigers. Head coach Kim Mulkey said Koval's departure was for "personal reasons" and that the program would "respect her privacy on her decision."
The move comes less than two weeks after LSU added Russian forward Anna Minaeva to the roster earlier this month. Mulkey had publicly expressed hope that having players from both Russia and Ukraine on the same team could serve as a positive example, describing the pair as potential "ambassadors" for peace.
LSU provided no further details on Koval's decision, and the program did not announce any immediate roster moves to replace her. The university's statement focused on honoring the player's privacy as it navigates the change.
The signings and subsequent departure drew attention because of the nationalities involved. Mulkey's comments had framed the pair's presence on the team in a broader context of goodwill, but LSU has not linked Koval's exit to Minaeva's arrival or to any other specific cause.
The Tigers now face a roster adjustment as they move forward with the season. The program did not disclose a timetable for further announcements regarding Koval's status or any additions to the squad.