LSU Women’s Basketball Officially Signs Former Five-Star Recruit, Notre Dame Transfer
LSU has announced the addition of 6-5 sophomore Kate Koval to its roster for the upcoming season.
“Having recruited Kate out of High School, we are very aligned in our vision for her personal development and the impact she can have on our program,” Coach Kim Mulkey said.
“Tiger fans will love the skill, physicality and passion that Kate will bring with her to Baton Rouge!”
Koval had a successful ACC All-Freshman season at Notre Dame, playing a key role in the Irish reaching the Sweet 16. She averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Koval led Notre Dame with 55 blocks throughout the season; she recorded six games with 4+ blocks.
Koval was the USBWA National Freshman of the Week on November 18 after a quick start to her college career. Through the first three games of her career, Koval had 40 points, 33 rebounds, 8 assists and 15 blocks.
According to OptaSTATS, the last D1 freshman (male or female) to reach those numbers in any three-game span is Kentucky’s Anthony Davis.
After recording her first double-double in her third game with 14 points and 16 rebounds against James Madison, Koval went for 11 points and 19 rebounds against Lafayette.
The Kyiv, Ukraine native came to the United States in 2021, going on to become the No. 5 overall player and the top-rated post player in the Class of 2024 as a forward at Long Island Lutheran in Brookville, New York.
Koval played in the McDonald’s All-America game, the SLAM All-America game, the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit. She was the 2023-24 New York Gatorade Player of the Year.
She has also competed at the international level in the 2023 3×3 U18 World Cup and in the U18 and U16 European Championships.
LSU Women’s Basketball has officially added 6-foot-5 sophomore center Kate Koval to its roster for the upcoming season. Koval, a former five-star recruit, transfers from Notre Dame after a notable freshman year. Head Coach Kim Mulkey expressed enthusiasm about the addition, stating, “Having recruited Kate out of high school, we are very aligned in our vision for her personal development and the impact she can have on our program. Tiger fans will love the skill, physicality, and passion that Kate will bring with her to Baton Rouge!”
During her freshman season with the Fighting Irish, Koval played in 32 games, starting 10, and averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. She led Notre Dame with 55 blocks throughout the season, recording six games with four or more blocks. Notably, in her first three collegiate games, she amassed 40 points, 33 rebounds, eight assists, and 15 blocks—a feat last achieved by Anthony Davis during his freshman year at Kentucky.
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, Koval moved to the United States in 2021 and attended Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York. There, she earned recognition as the No. 5 overall player and the top-rated post player in the Class of 2024. Her high school accolades include being named the New York Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season and participating in prestigious events such as the McDonald’s All-America game, the SLAM All-America game, the Jordan Brand Classic, and the Nike Hoop Summit. Koval has also represented her country in international competitions, including the 2023 3×3 U18 World Cup and the U18 and U16 European Championships.
Koval’s commitment comes at a pivotal time for LSU, as the team has experienced significant roster changes. The Tigers bid farewell to key players, including Aneesah Morrow, who is set to enter the WNBA draft, and saw the departure of centers Sa’Myah Smith and Aalyah Del Rosario to the transfer portal. Koval’s arrival is expected to bolster LSU’s frontcourt, addressing the void left by these departures.
Koval’s decision to transfer aligns with a broader trend in women’s college basketball, where several high-profile players are seeking new opportunities through the transfer portal. Notre Dame, in particular, has seen notable departures, including senior guard Olivia Miles and junior Emma Risch. These moves reflect the dynamic nature of collegiate athletics, with players seeking environments that best align with their personal and professional aspirations.
LSU’s proactive approach in the transfer market underscores the program’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. By securing a player of Koval’s caliber, the Tigers aim to build upon their recent successes and continue their pursuit of excellence in women’s college basketball. The addition of Koval, combined with the development of returning players and incoming recruits, positions LSU as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
Koval’s versatility and international experience are expected to bring a unique dynamic to the team. Her ability to perform against top-tier competition, both domestically and internationally, will be invaluable as LSU navigates the challenges of the season. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how Koval integrates into the Tigers’ system and contributes to the team’s objectives.
As the landscape of women’s college basketball continues to evolve, LSU’s strategic acquisitions signal a clear intent to remain at the forefront of the sport. The program’s ability to attract and develop top talent will be crucial in sustaining its trajectory and achieving its goals in the highly competitive environment of collegiate athletics.
