Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has transferred from LSU to Baylor University following a controversy involving a Russian player. The 20-year-old forward was granted a transfer waiver by the NCAA at LSU's request, allowing her to join the Texas team despite the closing transfer window in April. Koval played in all 35 of LSU's matches last season, averaging 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Her departure was initially announced as being for personal reasons after the arrival of 17-year-old Anna Minaeva at LSU. Koval subsequently revealed that Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine was the driving force behind her decision. In an Instagram post, she stated her father serves in the Ukrainian military and that she has lost people close to her in Russian attacks.

She explained that the war is personal, as places she grew up playing basketball have been destroyed by missile strikes. The timing of the situation and its deep personal effect on her and her family ultimately made her question whether LSU remained the right place. Student-athletes can only be granted transfer waivers outside the window for extenuating circumstances unrelated to sport and out of the individual's control.

BBC Sport has contacted LSU to confirm the terms of the waiver request.