Key Member of LSU Women’s Basketball Championship Squad No Longer on the Team

LSU women's basketball team head coach Kim Mulkey has announced that Kateri Poole is no longer part of the team.

Poole, a 5-foot-8 junior guard, had played in four games this season for the No. 7 ranked Tigers. Notably, she was absent from the floor due to a "coach's decision" during the game against Kent State on November 14, and her involvement was limited in subsequent matches.

Coach Mulkey, speaking after LSU's convincing 83-53 victory over Louisiana, confirmed Poole's exit from the team but did not elaborate on the circumstances, leaving it unclear whether it was a mutual decision or a dismissal. Poole's departure adds another layer to the challenges faced by the team, which had been hinted at by Mulkey previously in references to "locker room issues."

Poole, who was a huge part of LSU's national championship run last season, had transferred from Ohio State and was a key player for the Tigers. Last season, she averaged 4.5 points and 2.4 rebounds over 22.4 minutes per game.

However, this season saw a dip in her contributions, with averages of 2.0 points, 1.5 assists, and 12.5 minutes across four games.

The Tigers are also dealing with the loss of Sa'Myah Smith for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Most of all, star forward Angel Reese, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 women's NCAA tournament, had also missed several games in November for undisclosed reasons, though she returned to play on November 30 against Virginia Tech.

As the team continues to battle through adversity, Coach Mulkey's leadership and the remaining roster's resilience will be crucial for maintaining their strong performance this season.