Basketball recruiting is a chess match, and Kim Mulkey usually plays three moves ahead of everyone else. When news broke that Kate Koval committed to LSU, it wasn't just another transfer portal grab. It was a long-game victory for a coach who doesn't like losing, especially not on the recruiting trail.
Koval, the 6-foot-5 powerhouse from Kyiv, Ukraine, spent her freshman year at Notre Dame. She did well there, too.
She landed on the ACC All-Freshman Team. She swatted shots like flies, ranking fourth in Irish history for blocks by a freshman. But something was off. The fit wasn't quite right. By April 7, 2025, she was officially a Tiger. Honestly, if you follow Mulkey’s history, this felt inevitable. She wanted Koval when she was a five-star recruit at Long Island Lutheran (LuHi), and she wasn't about to let a second chance slip by.
The Long Road from Kyiv to Baton Rouge
Kate Koval’s story is kinda incredible. Imagine being 15 years old and moving 4,800 miles away from your family in Ukraine to play basketball in New York. That’s what she did in 2021. She landed at LuHi and immediately became a problem for opposing defenses.
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By the time she was a senior, she was the No. 5 overall recruit in the country. The No. 1 post player.
She was a McDonald’s All-American. A Jordan Brand Classic selection. Basically, every trophy you could win in high school, she had it on her shelf. LSU was in the mix back then, but she chose South Bend. Fast forward one year, and the portal changed everything.
People think the transfer portal is just about NIL money or playing time. Sometimes it is. But for Koval, it was also about family. Her brother, Nick, is a graduate student at LSU. Now they live together. They grab coffee every weekend. Her younger brother is playing youth hockey in Texas. Suddenly, Baton Rouge isn't just a basketball destination; it's a home base.
Why Kim Mulkey is Already Changing the Drills
There’s a great story about how Mulkey is handling her new star. For years, LSU had a drill called the "Russian Rebounding Drill." It’s a tough, physical exercise meant to toughen players up.
Koval, being from Kyiv, wasn't a fan of the name. She asked the staff if they could change it.
Mulkey didn't hesitate. It’s now the "Ukraine Rebounding Drill." That tells you everything about the relationship they're building. Mulkey is a hard-nosed coach, sure, but she knows how to connect with her players on a personal level.
Impact on the Court: What LSU is Getting
Let's talk numbers because they're hard to ignore. At Notre Dame, Koval averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in about 18 minutes of action. Those are solid freshman numbers.
But at LSU? She’s already taking a massive leap.
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In the first half of the 2025-2026 season, her production has skyrocketed. We're talking about a player who just dropped 23 points and 11 rebounds against Alabama State to close out a perfect non-conference schedule. She’s currently averaging over 10 points and 6 rebounds per game.
- Size: 6'5" with elite footwork.
- Defense: A natural rim protector who doesn't just block shots; she alters the entire geometry of the paint.
- Stamina: LSU’s training staff worked her hard over the summer to make sure she could run the floor in Mulkey’s high-octane system.
She isn't just a "big." She can step out and hit the mid-range jumper. She’s a pick-and-roll threat who knows how to seal her defender. In a lineup that features stars like Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, having a reliable anchor like Koval makes LSU terrifying.
The Transfer Portal Ripple Effect
When Kate Koval committed to LSU, it sent shockwaves through the ACC. Notre Dame lost four major players to the portal that cycle. It’s a tough pill for the Irish to swallow, but it’s a masterclass in roster building for LSU.
The Tigers needed to replace the interior presence of players like Sa’Myah Smith (who hit the portal herself) and prepare for the departure of Aneesah Morrow. Koval gives them three years of eligibility. That's a foundation, not a rental.
Pairing Koval with Amiya Joyner in the post has given LSU one of the most physical frontcourts in the SEC. They aren't just winning games; they're physically dominating teams. They forced 36 turnovers in a single game recently. You don't do that without back-line defenders who make guards scared to drive into the lane.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Move
A lot of fans thought Koval would be a bench piece behind more established veterans. Wrong.
She’s already started 10 games this season. She’s playing nearly 18 minutes a night and making every second count. Her field goal percentage has jumped from 45% at Notre Dame to over 57% at LSU. That's efficiency you just can't teach. She’s found a system that rewards her for being physical and rewards her for running.
What’s Next for Koval and the Tigers?
The non-conference slate is over. LSU is 14-0 and ranked No. 5 in the country. The "real" season starts now with SEC play.
Watching how Koval handles the physicality of teams like South Carolina will be the true test. She’s got the size. She’s got the pedigree. Now she’s got the "Ukraine Rebounding Drill" to keep her sharp.
If you're looking for actionable ways to follow this journey, keep an eye on the box scores for "stocks"—steals and blocks. That’s where Koval’s true value lies. She’s the glue that allows the LSU guards to gamble on the perimeter. If they get beat, she’s there.
Watch for these specific indicators in upcoming games:
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- Free Throw Attempts: She’s drawing fouls at a high rate (9 in the Alabama State game alone).
- High-Low Passing: Watch how she and Amiya Joyner facilitate for each other in the paint.
- Defensive Rotations: See if SEC guards start settling for floaters instead of taking it to the rim when she's on the floor.
Baton Rouge has always loved a dominant post player. From Sylvia Fowles to Angel Reese, the lineage is deep. Kate Koval is the next chapter in that story. She’s not just a transfer; she’s the piece that might just put another championship banner in the rafters of the PMAC.
To stay ahead of the curve, track Koval's rebounding efficiency against Top 25 opponents this month. Her ability to secure defensive boards and trigger the fast break is the primary engine behind LSU's current winning streak. You can find these updated splits on the official LSU Sports website or via SEC Network analytics.