After helping lead the LSU women’s basketball team to a national championship, the 2023-24 season took an unexpected turn for Kateri Poole. The junior guard, who had been a key contributor off the bench during the Tigers’ championship run, was suddenly no longer part of the team.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey kept the situation under wraps, offering little explanation beyond a brief statement: “She’s no longer with us.”
For months, the reasons behind Poole’s absence remained a mystery, leaving fans speculating. However, on September 26, Poole broke her silence during an Instagram Live session, giving her side of the story.
When a follower asked why she was no longer playing at LSU, Poole did not hold back. According to the 21-year-old, the issue stemmed from Coach Mulkey accusing her of leaking sensitive game plans to another program.
“Truthfully, [Mulkey] said that I sent in a scouting report to another school,” Poole revealed. “I ain’t do that sht… I was like, ‘What do we do now?’ She said, ‘You’re kicked off.’ I said, ‘Boom, aight.’ She said, ‘No longer on the team.’ I took it, asked if I could still play. She said ‘yep.’ Scholarship, boom, was allowed to transfer. Now, I’m at Houston. Please stop asking me about that sht.”
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Poole’s account suggests that the fallout was swift, with Mulkey making the decision to remove her from the team based on suspicions rather than hard evidence. Despite the abrupt departure, Poole confirmed that her scholarship remained intact, allowing her to transfer to another school.
In May 2024, Poole officially transferred to the University of Houston to continue her collegiate career with the Houston Cougars. This move marked a new chapter for Poole, who expressed relief at moving on from the situation and asked her followers to stop bringing up her LSU days.
Originally from The Bronx, Poole began her college basketball journey at Ohio State, where she played for two seasons before transferring to LSU. With the Tigers, she made a significant impact, particularly during their championship run. Known for her defensive prowess, Poole earned a spot in the starting lineup for the final five games of the NCAA Tournament, helping LSU secure the title.
In the national championship game against Iowa, Poole played a crucial role. She hit two key three-pointers, including one late in the game that effectively ended the Hawkeyes’ chances of a comeback. Her performance was pivotal in LSU’s victory, solidifying her reputation as a clutch player in high-stakes moments.
While her time at LSU ended on a sour note, Poole remains focused on her future at Houston, where she hopes to continue building on her basketball career.
Despite the controversy surrounding her exit from LSU, Poole seems determined to move forward and make the most of her fresh start with the Cougars.
