5-star center for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, Kate Koval announced her commitment to LSU. Koval is going into her Sophomore season, but was on the 2024-2025 ACC Newcomer Watchlist, prior to committing to Notre Dame.

During her freshman season she was awarded ACC Co-Rookie of the week, USBWA National freshman of the week, 2024-2025 All-ACC Freshman Team and 2025 ACC regular season Co-Champion.

In her collegiate debut, Koval posted 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five blocks. This earned her the notoriety as the first Irish player since 2007 to record five blocks in a season opener.

During the ACC Tournament she averaged 16 minutes per game. Had four points, three rebounds and two steals against Cal. She also had seven points and went 3-4 from the floor against Duke.

Koval went on to play in the NCAA Tournament where she recorded four blocks against Stephen F. Austin, which landed her as the only ND freshman in the last 25 years with a 4-block NCAAT game.

Overall, Koval played in 32 games with 10 starts, averaging 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. She also recorded 55 total blocks, which is the fourth most by an Irish freshman in Notre Dame program history.