LSU WBB: Former Guard Kateri Poole Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
Former LSU guard Kateri Poole has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal as a graduate transfer after departing the program in December, sources confirm to LSU Country.
Poole, a former five-star recruit, played in just four games with the Tigers during the 2023-24 season and will now look to resume her playing career.
Head coach Kim Mulkey broke the news of Poole leaving LSU on Dec. 10. She was a key member of the national championship run from a year ago, playing in 35 games.
Poole’s value came on the defensive end, shutting down opposing guards on the perimeter.
Poole's last appearance with LSU came on Nov. 17 when the Tigers faced Southeastern in Mulkey's return to Tangipahoa Parish. After missing three weeks worth of games before then, she made the move to depart the program.
Poole and All-American forward Angel Reese were away from the program when No. 7 LSU traveled to the Cayman Islands for their Thanksgiving tournament last month with Reese returning to the team the following week.
For Poole, she never made her return. A key component to the Tigers' National Championship run last season, LSU now loses a piece of depth in the backcourt with her departure from Baton Rouge.
The Ohio State transfer started all six games of LSU's NCAA Tournament run last season, helping the Tigers improve defensively on their way to their first title in program history.
Mulkey and Co. saw a myriad of issues take headlines during the early parts of the 2023-24 season.
With Reese missing several games this season for unspecified reasons, along with Poole, it's been a challenging first half of the season, but this program continues winning ball games.
During non-conference play against Louisiana-Lafayette, the Tigers were also without starting point guard Hailey Van Lith while she nurses plantar fasciitis in her foot. She was seen going through drills during warmups but did not suit up for the reigning National Champions.
Now, the Tigers will look to defend their crown as postseason play continues with LSU virtually locked into a No. 2 seed.
