Ukrainian center Kate Koval is moving to Baylor after the NCAA granted a legislative relief waiver that let her enter the transfer portal outside its normal period. Baylor announced the signing Saturday, several weeks after Koval left LSU following coach Kim Mulkey’s addition of a Russian player.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed the waiver to The Associated Press without being identified because the person was not permitted to comment publicly.
Koval described her departure in a social media post last week. She said Russia’s war in Ukraine had harmed people close to her, including people who were killed or injured, and that missile attacks had damaged locations where she was raised and first played basketball. Those events caused her to question whether LSU was the right fit.
She also wrote that roster choices are part of college basketball, but said her decision reflected her principles and her backing of Ukraine.
At Baylor, Koval will play for coach Nicki Collen. Collen said the 6-foot-5 center can provide scoring inside, rebounding and blocked shots, while her perimeter play could add another dimension. Koval produced 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game at LSU last season.
