LSU Women’s Basketball Navigates Busy Transfer Portal Day as Key Departures and Additions Shake Up Roster

BATON ROUGE—LSU women’s basketball made significant moves in the transfer portal on Monday, marking a busy day for Coach Kim Mulkey and the Tigers’ roster. The day was marked by departures and additions that are sure to impact the team’s plans for the 2025 season.

A major development came with the news that former 5-star recruit Aalyah Del Rosario entered the transfer portal. After two seasons at LSU, Del Rosario struggled to make a lasting impact on the court, leading to her decision to seek a fresh start. Despite her immense potential as a highly touted recruit, Del Rosario’s time in Baton Rouge didn’t quite live up to expectations, and both the player and program will now part ways.

In response to Del Rosario’s departure, LSU made a strong addition to their roster by signing 6-foot-5 sophomore Kate Koval from Notre Dame. Koval, a seasoned player with a wealth of experience, was a standout performer during her time with the Fighting Irish. She had an impressive ACC All-Freshman season, playing a vital role in Notre Dame’s run to the Sweet 16. In her debut season, Koval averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while also demonstrating her defensive prowess by leading the team with 55 blocks.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Kate to Baton Rouge,” said Coach Kim Mulkey. “Having recruited Kate out of high school, we are very aligned in our vision for her personal development and the impact she can have on our program. Tiger fans will love the skill, physicality, and passion that Kate will bring with her to Baton Rouge!”

Koval’s addition should help fill a major gap left by the departure of several key players. One of the most notable losses for LSU is Aneesah Morrow, who will be leaving to pursue a career in the WNBA after an outstanding season with the Tigers. Morrow’s departure will be a significant blow to LSU’s frontcourt, as she was one of the team’s most productive and versatile players. Additionally, LSU will need to replace the production lost by Del Rosario and Sa’Myah Smith, both of whom have entered the transfer portal.

With these key departures, LSU will have to rely on new faces like Koval to step up and make an immediate impact. While Koval may not have the same level of experience as Morrow, her skill set and ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor should help fill the void left in the paint.

Koval’s ability to block shots was a major strength during her time at Notre Dame, and her presence in the middle will be vital for LSU’s defense. Her 55 blocks last season showed she can make an impact on the defensive end, and she will look to build on that success as she transitions to life in Baton Rouge. With Koval joining the program, LSU’s defense could get a major boost, particularly in terms of rim protection and rebounding.

As the Tigers continue to adjust their roster for next season, these moves highlight the ever-changing nature of college basketball. LSU will look to blend veteran talent with promising newcomers as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in a tough SEC. The arrival of Kate Koval signals LSU’s commitment to staying competitive on the national stage, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how these changes impact the team’s success moving forward.