Baylor announced Saturday that it signed Ukrainian center Kate Koval, who left LSU several weeks ago after coach Kim Mulkey added a Russian player to the Tigers’ roster. The NCAA’s approval of a legislative relief waiver earlier this week allowed Koval to enter the transfer portal outside its normal period.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press about the waiver anonymously because the person was not authorized to speak publicly.
Koval said in a social media post last week that Russia’s war against Ukraine had affected people close to her, including people who were killed or wounded. She also wrote that missile attacks had harmed locations tied to her childhood and the start of her basketball career.
Koval said those circumstances prompted her to question whether LSU was the right fit, while recognizing that roster choices are part of college basketball. She wrote that acting according to her values and backing her country were necessary.
Koval will play for Baylor coach Nicki Collen, who said the center’s scoring inside, rebounding and shot blocking should help the team. Collen also said Koval’s perimeter play could expand Baylor’s offense. Koval posted averages of 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for LSU last season.
