Kate Koval is moving to Baylor after the NCAA approved a transfer waiver, allowing the Ukrainian center to join the program despite leaving LSU after the April deadline for entering the transfer portal. Baylor announced her commitment Saturday.
Koval said she left LSU after the program signed 17-year-old Russian post player Anna Minaeva. Koval was born and raised in Ukraine. Her father is a drone operator in the Ukrainian military, and she said Russian attacks have killed or wounded people close to her.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey, a former Baylor coach, had told Koval the two players could represent their countries, according to the report, but Koval said she was uncomfortable with that arrangement.
The 6-foot-5 Koval played 35 games for LSU during the 2025-26 season and started 17. She averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, with a 56% field-goal percentage. She previously played at Notre Dame, making the ACC All-Freshman Team.
Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval can help near the basket as a scorer, passer and shot blocker. Baylor went 25-9 last season and returns one starter, senior guard Taliah Scott, who averaged 19.7 points. Koval also played for Ukraine at the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup, where the team made the quarterfinals.