Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey said Monday night that the 6-foot-5 Koval was leaving for “personal reasons,” adding that the program will “respect her privacy on her decision.”
“We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her,” Mulkey said. “I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.”
Koval, who was born in Kyiv, played at LSU last season after spending her freshman year at Notre Dame. Her decision to leave LSU follows the recent signing of Anna Minaeva, a 6-5 post player who previously played professionally with MBA Moscow.