Koupal Named to Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List
Nebraska women's basketball signee Ashlyn Koupal earned a place among the top players in the nation with her inclusion on the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Preseason Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
One of the highest ranked recruits in Husker history, Koupal (pronounced KO-pull), signed with the Huskers on Wednesday morning ahead of the Naismith announcement. The 6-3 forward from Wagner, S.D., was ranked as a five-star recruit as the No. 10 player in the current 247 Sports rankings (No. 13 composite), as the No. 3 power forward in the nation. She also is ranked No. 22 in the current ESPN Top 100.
Koupal was the Gatorade South Dakota High School Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 22.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.3 steals and 3.5 blocks in leading Wagner to the state tournament. It was her third straight season averaging better than 20 points per game. She also produced one quadruple-double, two triple-doubles and 10 double-doubles as a junior. A three-time all-state selection, Koupal helped Wagner to a Class A state runner-up finish as a sophomore in 2023. Koupal is also an outstanding student, carrying a 4.0 GPA.
Koupal, who chose Nebraska over Duke, Kansas, Michigan State and TCU, was one of 45 high school players from across the country invited to the 2025 USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp during the NCAA Women's Final Four. Entering her senior season, Koupal has amassed 1,939 points, 860 rebounds, 364 assists, 189 steals and 287 blocks.
An outstanding all-around athlete, Koupal won her fifth consecutive South Dakota Class A state high jump championship as a junior in 2025. She also notched 12 kills to help the Red Raider volleyball team clinch a berth in the 2025 South Dakota Class A state tournament on Tuesday night.