Former LSU center Kate Koval has committed to Baylor after the NCAA granted her a transfer waiver. The waiver was approved even though the standard transfer portal window closed in April.
Koval, who is from Ukraine, chose to leave LSU last month after head coach Kim Mulkey’s program signed 17-year-old Russian post player Anna Minaeva. Koval’s father serves as a drone operator for the Ukrainian military, and the player cited the ongoing war, personal losses, and destruction in her homeland as reasons why she could not comfortably remain on a team with a Russian player. Although Mulkey had previously suggested that Koval and the new recruit could act as “ambassadors” for their respective countries, Koval ultimately decided she had to remain true to her values and country.
Baylor head coach Nicki Collen expressed enthusiasm about adding the 6-foot-5-inch junior, highlighting her ability to score and protect the rim, facilitate from the perimeter, and anchor the defense. The Baylor Bears are entering the season following a 25-9 campaign, though they must replace four starters from the previous year.
Prior to her time at LSU, Koval played her freshman season at Notre Dame, where she earned a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team. During her sophomore season with the Tigers, she played in 35 games—starting 17—and averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per contest. Over the summer, she also represented Ukraine at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup, helping her national team reach the quarterfinals.
