Baylor has signed Ukrainian center Kate Koval, the school announced Saturday, several weeks after she departed LSU following the addition of a Russian player by Tigers coach Kim Mulkey.
Koval’s move became possible after the NCAA approved a legislative relief waiver earlier this week, allowing her to enter the transfer portal outside the usual window. A person familiar with the situation provided that information to The Associated Press anonymously because the person was not authorized to speak publicly.
Koval explained her decision to leave LSU in a social media post last week. She said Russia’s war against Ukraine had directly affected people close to her, including those who were killed or wounded, and that missile strikes had damaged places where she grew up and began playing basketball.
She said the circumstances led her to reconsider whether LSU was the appropriate place for her, while also acknowledging that roster decisions are part of college basketball. Koval wrote that she needed to act according to her values and support for her country.
At Baylor, Koval will play for coach Nicki Collen. Collen said Koval’s interior scoring, rebounding and shot blocking will contribute to the team, while her ability to make plays from the perimeter could broaden the offense. Koval is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches.
