Ukrainian Basketball Player Kate Koval Leaves LSU Over Russian Teammate Signing

Ukrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball program because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.

Following the arrival of Anna Minaeva, it was announced that 20-year-old Koval had departed for "personal reasons" after one season.

Koval said Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine was why she stepped away.

"My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression," she wrote on Instagram.

"For me, this war is not distant or abstract. People close to me have been killed and wounded in Russian attacks, and places where I grew up and first began playing basketball have been destroyed by missile strikes.

"The timing of this situation and the deep personal effect it has had on me, my family and those we care about who continue to live through and fight this war ultimately made me question whether LSU remained the right place for me.

"This decision has not been easy. While I understand and respect that roster decisions are a part of college basketball, I have to remain true to myself, my values and my country."

Koval, who was expected to be LSU's starting centre this year, has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining.

The transfer portal has closed, but she said she hopes the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) "recognises the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter" and allows her to join a different university for the upcoming season.

Koval said: "I felt I had found a home at LSU, and I am incredibly grateful for my team-mates who became family, as well as my coaches, staff, professors and the entire LSU community.

"I will always cherish the relationships, experiences, and memories I made there."