Kate Koval, the former LSU center, has officially committed to Baylor University, marking her third NCAA team in as many years following a recent transfer portal waiver granted by the NCAA.
The 6-foot-5 junior, who hails from Ukraine, made the decision to leave LSU after head coach Kim Mulkey added a Russian recruit to the Tigers’ roster. Koval cited the ongoing conflict between her home country and Russia as a key factor influencing her departure.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Koval emphasized her need to stay true to her personal values and loyalty to her country, despite understanding the nature of collegiate roster changes.
Baylor Looks to Build on Last Season’s Success
Koval’s arrival at Baylor reunites her with Mulkey’s former program, where the Bears are preparing to improve upon their previous season’s achievement of reaching the second round of March Madness. Baylor coach Nicki Collen expressed enthusiasm about adding Koval to the team, highlighting her academic excellence and compassionate nature as qualities that will resonate with fans both on and off the court.
As the Big 12 contenders gear up for the upcoming season, Koval’s presence is expected to bolster Baylor’s frontcourt depth and contribute significantly to the team’s aspirations for a deeper postseason run.