Kate Koval Has Transferred to Baylor Basketball
The 6-foot-5 junior joined Baylor after receiving an NCAA waiver for immediate eligibility.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Junior center Kate Koval has transferred to the Baylor women's basketball team. The move follows an NCAA waiver granting her immediate eligibility to compete this season.
Why it matters
Koval departed LSU following the team's signing of a Russian player, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine as her primary reason for seeking a transfer. The NCAA waiver permitted her to enter the portal outside of the standard transfer window to facilitate the move.
Kate Koval stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and joins a Baylor program currently carrying 12 players on the active roster. The team's immediate focus remains on integrating her into the lineup before upcoming competition.
The players
Kate Koval
She is a 6-foot-5 junior center who recently transferred to the Baylor women's basketball program.
Baylor University
This is a private Christian university located in Waco, Texas, that competes in Division I basketball.
LSU
Louisiana State University is a public research university whose women's basketball program previously employed Koval.
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association regulates student-athletes and grants transfer waivers.
The details
Baylor officials confirmed the transfer after completing the necessary administrative and academic enrollment protocols. The team showcased the new addition during an open practice session at Foster Pavilion.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Baylor held an open practice at Foster Pavilion.
October 25, 2026: Baylor plays an exhibition game against West Texas A&M.
November 2, 2026: Baylor begins the 2026-2027 season against Fairleigh Dickinson.
Season Trajectory
Koval's late addition reshapes the competitive balance for the Lady Bears heading into the 2026-2027 season. Her presence provides immediate interior depth that alters the team's rotation and outlook for the upcoming schedule.
Koval's eligibility ensures she will be available for the season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson on November 2. Her presence directly impacts the team's defensive and rebounding metrics for the upcoming schedule.
The takeaway
The addition of a 6-foot-5 center provides Baylor with a significant advantage in the paint. Fans can look for her debut during the exhibition game on October 25 to gauge her impact on the team's rotation.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, visit the Basketball page.
Live Poll
Should college athletes be allowed to transfer teams based on personal or political conflicts?
