Baylor announced Saturday that it signed Ukrainian center Kate Koval, completing her move from LSU several weeks after she left the Tigers following coach Kim Mulkey’s addition of a Russian player. Koval is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches and will play for coach Nicki Collen.
The NCAA granted Koval a legislative relief waiver earlier this week, permitting her to enter the transfer portal outside the standard window, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press because the person was not authorized to comment publicly.
Collen said Koval’s scoring near the basket, rebounding and shot blocking should help Baylor, while her perimeter play could expand the offense.
Koval addressed her departure in a social media post last week. She said Russia’s war against Ukraine had affected people close to her, including people who were killed or wounded, and that missile strikes damaged places where she grew up and first played basketball.
She said those circumstances caused her to question whether LSU was the right fit, while recognizing that roster choices are part of college basketball, and wrote that she needed to follow her values and stand with Ukraine. Koval recorded 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game at LSU last season.
