Baylor has brought in Ukrainian center Kate Koval, the school announced Saturday, several weeks after she left LSU. Her departure followed coach Kim Mulkey’s addition of a Russian player. Koval is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches.
The NCAA granted Koval a legislative relief waiver earlier this week, enabling her to join the transfer portal outside its standard period, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously because the person was not authorized to comment publicly.
Koval said in a social media post that Russia’s war against Ukraine had affected people close to her, with some killed or wounded, and that missile attacks had damaged places where she grew up and first played basketball. She said those circumstances prompted her to reassess LSU, while recognizing that roster choices are part of college basketball.
She wrote that acting consistently with her values and backing her country was necessary.
Koval will play for Baylor coach Nicki Collen, who said the center’s scoring near the basket, rebounding and shot blocking will help the team. Collen also said Koval’s perimeter play could expand Baylor’s offense. Koval posted 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for LSU last season.
