Kate Koval will continue her college basketball career at Baylor after the NCAA approved a transfer waiver for the Ukrainian center. Baylor announced her commitment Saturday, following her departure from LSU after the April transfer-portal entry deadline.
Koval said she left LSU after the program signed 17-year-old Russian post player Anna Minaeva. Koval was born and raised in Ukraine, and she said her father serves as a drone operator in the Ukrainian military. She also said people close to her have been killed or injured in Russian attacks.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey had told Koval the two players could represent their respective countries, according to the report, but Koval later said she was uncomfortable with the arrangement.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval’s 6-foot-5 size and inside play will help the team on both ends of the court. She can contribute as a scorer, passer and shot blocker, Collen said. Koval played at Notre Dame as a freshman and made the ACC All-Freshman Team, then joined LSU for the 2025-26 season.
In 35 games, including 17 starts, she averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks while making 56% of her shots. Baylor went 25-9 last season and returns one starter, senior guard Taliah Scott, who averaged 19.7 points. Koval also played for Ukraine at the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup, where the team reached the quarterfinals.
