Kate Koval: Triumph of Spirit Amidst War-Torn Ukraine

In February 2022, Kate Koval, a freshman basketball player at Long Island Lutheran High School, stepped onto the court with a heart heavy with worry. While her teammates warmed up, a silent cell phone sat on the bench. A few hours earlier, her parents had called from Kyiv, Ukraine, a few hours into Russia’s invasion of the country.

A Strategic Phone Call

Koval’s coach, Christina Raiti, had made a unique arrangement with the opposing coach and the referee to allow Koval to call a timeout if her phone rang during the game. She hoped for any word from her parents, who were evacuating the city amid bombings and chaos. Despite the tension and the noise of the game, Koval was consumed with thoughts of her family’s safety.

The Long Awaited Call

Twelve hours after her parents left Kyiv, Koval played through the game, anxiously checking her phone for any sign of connection. That night, her grandmother’s basement became a makeshift bomb shelter, and her parents fled to safety.

A Path to Excellence

Koval came to the United States in 2021 at the age of 15, seeking to follow her basketball dreams and better prepare for the WNBA. Growing up in Kyiv, she excelled in the sport, but she needed the greater opportunities available in the U.S. for college basketball.

Her father, Oleksandr, a former air-force engineer, supported her every step of the way. His expertise in nutrition, training, and mental preparation helped Koval reach the next level. After securing a scholarship to Long Island Lutheran High School, she faced new challenges, including adapting to U.S. basketball culture and living away from home.

Grounding Her Dreams

While her family was concerned about her safety, Koval’s connection to her heritage remained strong. Her grandmother’s home, with its yellow house and backyard pool, was a cherished memory. The warm hours spent there resonated deeply with Koval, representing the familial bonds she cherished despite her current life in America.

Her father’s words about the importance of family and resilience resonated even more during the crisis. “When me and your mom are gone, you guys are the only thing you will have,” he would say, emphasizing the value of siblings over all else.

Finding Her Home

Koval’s journey led her to Notre Dame, where she joined Coach Niele Ivey’s Fighting Irish team. The decision was not just about basketball but about finding a place that felt like home away from home.

Her parents’ calls from Kyiv, now safely evacuated, became even more significant. These conversations clarified her priorities and reinforced her commitment to her family. Koval thrived on the combined support of her new basketball family and her enduring Ukrainian roots.

Supporting Each Other

While Koval excelled on the basketball court, her dad supported her from afar, staying in Kyiv and contributing to the war effort. The family’s bond remained stronger than ever, despite the physical distance separating them. They found comfort in each other’s calls and messages, knowing they were all fighting the same battle.

Kate Koval, a freshman who leads No. 3 Notre Dame with 2.5 blocks per game, has found a home with the Irish. (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)

A Hopeful Future

Despite the initial shock and uncertainty, Kate Koval’s parents remain optimistic about the future. They know their daughter is in good hands at Notre Dame and look forward to the day when they can be together again.

“It was morning in Kyiv, and — as the Kovals rightly assumed — nighttime would be the most dangerous time in this war,” her mother, Natalia, said during a call, assuring Kate that her parents were safe.

Koval’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity have not only inspired her teammates but have given hope to her family thousands of miles away.

A Beacon of Strength

Kate Koval’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a family. Her journey from Kyiv to Notre Dame is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her dreams and her family’s values.

“She’s really found a home here in South Bend,” Niele Ivey, Notre Dame’s coach, noted. “For somebody that young to carry that much responsibility and be strong with what she does is commendable.”

Conclusion

Kate Koval’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of family support and the strength of the human spirit. Her story touches hearts and underscores the importance of staying connected in times of crisis.

If there’s one message to take from Kate Koval’s experience, it’s this: even in the darkest of times, there is always a light to guide us forward.

(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos: Courtesy of the Koval family, Cal Sport Media via AP Images, Spencer Platt / Getty Images, Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Courtesy of Fighting Irish Media)