LSU women’s basketball has lost forward Kate Koval, who is leaving the program for personal reasons just weeks before the Tigers begin preparations for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Kim Mulkey announced the decision Monday, August 24, saying Koval informed her of the decision after careful consideration. LSU has said it will respect Koval’s privacy and fully support her choice.
Koval’s departure removes an important frontcourt contributor from LSU’s plans. The 6-foot-5 forward transferred to LSU from Notre Dame after the 2024-25 season and made a significant impact during her lone season in Baton Rouge. She appeared in all 35 games during the 2025-26 campaign, started 17 times and averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
Her exit is one of the latest developments surrounding the Tigers as the program prepares for another season under Mulkey.
Kate Koval leaves LSU program for personal reasons
Mulkey announced Koval’s departure on Monday after the player met with her Sunday.
The coach did not disclose the nature of the personal reasons behind Koval’s decision. LSU has specifically asked that her privacy be respected, and there has been no official announcement providing additional details.
Mulkey described the decision as difficult for Koval and emphasized that the program supports her.
Koval’s departure therefore should be viewed through the information LSU has officially confirmed. There is no verified public explanation beyond the statement that she is leaving the program for personal reasons.
The decision comes shortly after LSU publicly included Koval among the players expected to be part of the 2026-27 team. The program had promoted its upcoming season with Koval listed among its returning players.
That situation has now changed.
Koval made an immediate impact at LSU
Koval arrived in Baton Rouge following one season at Notre Dame. She entered college basketball as one of the highly regarded prospects in the 2024 recruiting class.
At Long Island Lutheran High School in New York, Koval established herself as a nationally recognized post player. She was rated among the nation’s top recruits and earned McDonald’s All-American honors.
Her first college season at Notre Dame showed why LSU viewed her as an important addition.
Koval played 32 games for the Fighting Irish in 2024-25. She averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while starting 10 games. Her defensive production stood out, particularly as a freshman.
She then entered the transfer portal and chose LSU.
The Tigers added Koval as part of a highly regarded transfer group that also included MiLaysia Fulwiley and Amiya Joyner. Her size and defensive ability gave Mulkey another option in the paint.
Koval ultimately became a regular part of LSU’s rotation.
Koval’s 2025-26 LSU statistics
Koval’s only season with the Tigers produced career-best offensive numbers.
She played all 35 games and made 17 starts. Her season averages included:
- 8.3 points per game
- 6.3 rebounds per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 1.2 blocks per game
- 56.0% shooting from the field
- 75.2% shooting from the free-throw line
- 43 total blocks
- 37 total steals
Koval also recorded seven double-doubles during the season. That increased her career total to nine across her first two college seasons.
She reached double figures in 14 games for LSU and produced two 20-point performances.
Her LSU career high was 23 points against Alabama State on December 28, 2025. She also recorded five steals against Morgan State and continued to provide defensive value throughout the season.
The 43 blocks ranked second on LSU’s team. Her 1.2 blocks per game also placed her among the nation’s more productive shot blockers.
Those numbers demonstrate why her departure matters to LSU’s roster.
A valuable defensive presence in the frontcourt
Koval’s biggest contribution was not limited to scoring.
At 6-foot-5, she gave LSU size around the basket and helped protect the rim. Her 43 blocks during the 2025-26 season reflected that defensive role.
She also became more productive offensively after transferring from Notre Dame.
Her scoring average increased from 5.3 points as a freshman to 8.3 points during her LSU season. Her rebounding average rose from 4.7 to 6.3.
Koval also improved her shooting efficiency. She shot 56.0% from the field during her LSU season after shooting 45.1% during her freshman campaign at Notre Dame.
The progression made her a useful two-way option for Mulkey.
She was capable of finishing around the basket, drawing fouls and contributing on the glass. Her defensive instincts provided another dimension for a team that relied on depth and athleticism.
LSU must adjust its 2026-27 frontcourt plans
Koval’s departure forces LSU to make an adjustment before the new season begins.
The Tigers had expected to enter 2026-27 with Koval as one of their returning interior players. Her exit changes the distribution of frontcourt minutes and creates additional opportunities for other players.
LSU’s roster still features significant talent.
The program returns First-Team All-SEC guard Mikaylah Williams and Sixth Woman of the Year MiLaysia Fulwiley. LSU also has returning players who gained valuable experience during the previous season.
The Tigers have added players through the transfer portal as well as incoming freshmen and international talent.
However, Koval’s specific combination of size, rebounding and rim protection cannot simply be replaced by a guard.
Her departure means LSU’s coaching staff will have to reassess how it uses its available forwards and post players once preseason practices begin.
Koval’s departure comes before the new season
The timing is notable because LSU recently announced its 2026-27 schedule.
The Tigers are preparing for the 52nd season of LSU women’s basketball and Mulkey’s sixth season as head coach. The program has scheduled its first exhibition game for October 22.
LSU also announced an inaugural preseason banquet, “The Premiere,” scheduled for October 6. The event is designed to introduce fans to the team and coaching staff ahead of the new campaign.
When LSU announced those preseason plans earlier in August, Koval was listed among the returning players.
Her departure was announced only days later.
That makes the latest roster update particularly important as LSU moves closer to official preseason activities.
What LSU has confirmed about Koval’s decision
There has been considerable interest in why Koval decided to leave, but LSU has provided only limited information.
The confirmed details are straightforward:
- Koval met with Mulkey on Sunday.
- She told the coach she had decided to leave after considerable thought.
- The program described the reason as personal.
- Mulkey said LSU would respect Koval’s privacy.
- The coach said LSU fully supports Koval.
- Koval is no longer with the LSU team.
No additional reason has been officially disclosed.
That distinction is important because unverified explanations should not be treated as facts. LSU’s statement remains the authoritative description of the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Koval leaves after one season in Baton Rouge
Koval’s time at LSU lasted only one season, but she established herself as a productive contributor.
She entered Baton Rouge after being a standout freshman at Notre Dame. Her sophomore campaign at LSU showed significant statistical growth.
Across two college seasons, Koval appeared in 67 games and made 27 starts. She averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game over that span.
Her LSU season was particularly strong defensively.
She recorded 43 blocks and 37 steals while playing all 35 games. She also demonstrated consistency as a rebounder and finished the year with multiple double-doubles.
The Tigers will now move forward without a player who had been expected to contribute again in the frontcourt.
What Koval’s exit means for LSU
The immediate impact is roster balance.
LSU has several high-level perimeter players, but Koval’s departure removes a proven 6-foot-5 player who could defend the paint, rebound and score efficiently near the basket.
The coaching staff now has to determine how those minutes will be distributed.
Returning forwards can receive larger roles. Younger players may also have an opportunity to take on more responsibility. LSU’s newcomers could become part of the solution as the coaching staff evaluates the roster during preseason preparation.
The Tigers also have time to assess their options before the regular season begins.
For LSU, the focus now shifts from what Koval provided last season to how the remaining roster can collectively replace those minutes and statistics.
No indication of a further explanation from LSU
As of the latest confirmed update, LSU has not announced additional details about Koval’s decision.
Mulkey’s comments make clear that the program intends to respect the player’s privacy.
That means speculation about the circumstances behind the departure should not be presented as established fact.
The confirmed story is that Koval made a personal decision to leave LSU following discussions with Mulkey, and the coach publicly expressed support for her.
For fans following LSU closely, that is the key development heading into the 2026-27 season.
LSU enters a new phase of preseason preparation
The Tigers now enter the final stretch of preparation with one fewer player than originally expected.
LSU’s 2026-27 season is approaching, with an exhibition scheduled for October 22. The program remains built around a talented group that includes Williams and Fulwiley, while other returning players and newcomers will have opportunities to contribute.
Koval’s departure changes the picture, particularly in the frontcourt.
Her 2025-26 production gives LSU a clear benchmark for what must be replaced. Eight points and six rebounds per game may not appear overwhelming on their own, but her 43 blocks, seven double-doubles and efficient shooting added significant value.
The Tigers will now have to find those contributions elsewhere.
Koval, meanwhile, leaves LSU after a single season in Baton Rouge with a record of meaningful production and development. Her decision is personal, and LSU has made clear that it supports her as she moves forward.
The most recent confirmed update is therefore simple: Kate Koval is no longer part of the LSU program, and the Tigers must now continue their preparations for the upcoming season without the 6-foot-5 forward.
What do you think Koval’s departure means for LSU’s frontcourt heading into the new season? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for the latest LSU women’s basketball updates.