Baylor has signed Ukrainian center Kate Koval, the school announced Saturday, several weeks after she departed LSU. Her decision followed LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s addition of a Russian player to the Tigers’ roster.
Koval received an NCAA legislative relief waiver approved earlier this week, allowing her to enter the transfer portal outside the usual period, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously because the person was not authorized to comment publicly.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval brings scoring and defensive skills to the Bears. “We are beyond excited to welcome Kate to Baylor,” Collen said in a statement. She described the 6-foot-5 center as capable of contributing near the basket and on the perimeter, while also providing shot-blocking and passing.
Koval explained her LSU departure in a social media post last week. She said Russia’s war against Ukraine has directly affected her, including the deaths and injuries of people close to her and the destruction of places where she grew up and began playing basketball.
She wrote that the situation caused her to reconsider whether LSU was the right fit, while acknowledging that roster decisions are part of college basketball. Koval said she made the decision based on her personal values and connection to Ukraine.
