10/30/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Koval welcomed to Waco with preseason recognition
WACO, Texas – Baylor's Kate Koval has been named to the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award preseason watch list, as announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday afternoon.
Koval, a transfer from LSU, joins Baylor after appearing in all 35 games with 17 starts in 2025-26, averaging 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. She recorded 43 blocks, 11th in the Southeastern Conference, including a season-high five in two league games, at home against Arkansas and on the road at Mississippi State.
The Kyiv, Ukraine, native scored a career-high 23 points against Alabama State on 8-of-15 shooting and made seven free throws. She had seven double-doubles last season, bringing her career total to nine, and also set career highs in free-throw attempts (9), field-goal attempts (15) and steals (9).
Koval began her career at Notre Dame, where she was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team after making 10 starts and averaging 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Her 55 blocks are the fourth-most by a freshman in program history, and her career-high seven came at Lafayette. She also had 40 assists.
In her first three collegiate games, she totaled 40 points, 33 rebounds, 15 blocks and eight assists, including a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double against James Madison. She was the first freshman in Division I basketball, male or female, to reach those numbers since Anthony Davis.
Koval was the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 post player in ESPN's HoopGurlz rankings and was a McDonald's All-American and a SLAM All-American.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting Friday, Oct. 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Lisa Leslie Award will be narrowed to 10, then to five in March. In late March, the five finalists will be presented to Leslie and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, which will select the winner. The committee is composed of top women's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.
The winner of the 2027 Lisa Leslie Award will be presented on a date to be determined, along with the other four members of the Women's Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Nancy Lieberman Award (point guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (shooting guard), Cheryl Miller Award (small forward) and Katrina McClain Award (power forward).
Baylor women's basketball is presented by Central National Bank, a family-owned, independent bank headquartered in Waco, Texas, that provides uniquely personal service while simultaneously embracing the latest developments in banking technology.
To stay up to date, follow the team on its official Facebook, X and Instagram accounts: @BaylorWBB.
Koval, a transfer from LSU, joins Baylor after appearing in all 35 games with 17 starts in 2025-26, averaging 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. She recorded 43 blocks, 11th in the Southeastern Conference, including a season-high five in two league games, at home against Arkansas and on the road at Mississippi State.
The Kyiv, Ukraine, native scored a career-high 23 points against Alabama State on 8-of-15 shooting and made seven free throws. She had seven double-doubles last season, bringing her career total to nine, and also set career highs in free-throw attempts (9), field-goal attempts (15) and steals (9).
Koval began her career at Notre Dame, where she was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team after making 10 starts and averaging 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Her 55 blocks are the fourth-most by a freshman in program history, and her career-high seven came at Lafayette. She also had 40 assists.
In her first three collegiate games, she totaled 40 points, 33 rebounds, 15 blocks and eight assists, including a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double against James Madison. She was the first freshman in Division I basketball, male or female, to reach those numbers since Anthony Davis.
Koval was the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 post player in ESPN's HoopGurlz rankings and was a McDonald's All-American and a SLAM All-American.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting Friday, Oct. 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Lisa Leslie Award will be narrowed to 10, then to five in March. In late March, the five finalists will be presented to Leslie and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, which will select the winner. The committee is composed of top women's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.
The winner of the 2027 Lisa Leslie Award will be presented on a date to be determined, along with the other four members of the Women's Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Nancy Lieberman Award (point guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (shooting guard), Cheryl Miller Award (small forward) and Katrina McClain Award (power forward).
Baylor women's basketball is presented by Central National Bank, a family-owned, independent bank headquartered in Waco, Texas, that provides uniquely personal service while simultaneously embracing the latest developments in banking technology.
To stay up to date, follow the team on its official Facebook, X and Instagram accounts: @BaylorWBB.
- BaylorBears.com -
Players Mentioned
F/C
/ Women's BasketballThursday, October 22
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 21
