Baylor has added former LSU center Kate Koval after the NCAA approved a transfer waiver for the Ukrainian player. Baylor announced her commitment on Saturday, after Koval left LSU following the April deadline to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Koval said she departed LSU because the program signed 17-year-old Russian post player Anna Minaeva. Koval, who was born and raised in Ukraine, explained that her father serves as a drone operator in the Ukrainian military and that people close to her have been killed or injured in Russian attacks.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval’s 6-foot-5 frame and ability near the basket will add to the team’s offense and defense. Collen also described Koval as capable of contributing as a scorer, passer and shot blocker.
Koval initially expected to remain at LSU. LSU coach Kim Mulkey, who previously coached at Baylor, spoke with her before the staff began recruiting Minaeva and suggested the two players could represent their countries, according to the report. Koval later said she was not comfortable with that arrangement and chose to leave.
Koval played her freshman season at Notre Dame, where she earned a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team, before joining LSU for the 2025-26 season. She played in 35 games for the Tigers, starting 17, and averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 56% from the field. She had been expected to start at center for LSU this season.
