India, Aug. 25 -- LSU women's basketball has lost forward Kate Koval ahead of the 2026-27 season, with head coach Kim Mulkey confirming her departure Monday night.

Mulkey said Koval informed her on Sunday that she had decided to leave the program after carefully considering the decision, citing personal reasons for her exit.

"Kate came to me on Sunday and told me that after much consideration, she will be leaving the program for personal reasons," Mulkey said.

Koval, who is from Ukraine, was expected to be one of six returning players on Mulkey's roster from last season. Her departure leaves LSU with another experienced piece missing, particularly in the frontcourt, where the Tigers already have limited experience heading into the new ...