Baylor announced Kate Koval’s commitment Saturday after the NCAA approved a transfer waiver for the 6-foot-5 Ukrainian center. Koval left LSU after the April deadline to enter the NCAA transfer portal, and Baylor coach Nicki Collen said Koval can help near the basket as a scorer, passer and shot blocker.
Koval said she departed LSU after the program signed 17-year-old Russian post player Anna Minaeva. Koval was born and raised in Ukraine, and her father is a drone operator in the Ukrainian military. She also said people close to her died or were wounded in Russian attacks.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey, who previously coached at Baylor, had told Koval before LSU recruited Minaeva that the two players might represent their respective countries, according to the report. Koval said she was uncomfortable with that arrangement.
Koval began her college career at Notre Dame, earning a place on the ACC All-Freshman Team. She joined LSU for the 2025-26 season, appearing in 35 games and starting 17. She posted 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, and made 56% of her shots. She had been expected to start at center for LSU this season.
Baylor finished 25-9 last season and returns one starter, senior guard Taliah Scott, who averaged 19.7 points. Koval also played for Ukraine at the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup, where the team advanced to the quarterfinals. CBS Sports reported the move.
