Ashlyn Koupal has had herself a year as she continues to pile up the honors: Class A Girls Basketball Player of the Year, three-time first-team All-State, two-time Mitchell Republic Player of the Year, and now, she's added “Elite Eight Athlete” to her already stacked resume. “It means a lot, and I’m super grateful for it all,” Ashlyn said. “It’s nice to know all the hard work and time I’ve put into basketball is paying off.”

Despite all the honors, Ashlyn stays grounded—and she gives a lot of credit to the people around her. “Especially my parents,” she said. “It’s always kind of come naturally to not get caught up in all the awards and just keep being myself and play basketball. I try to never get too high or too low.” That mindset shows in her play. This season alone, she averaged over 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and added 67 blocks—proving her value on both sides of the court. “That just comes from the time I’ve put into basketball and just wanting it more than my opponent,” she said.

Known as a gym rat, Ashlyn’s daily routine often includes 300 threes on the gun, another 100–200 free throws, and plenty of work on ball-handling. “I’ve always been really competitive and just want to be the best I can be. I’ve had a passion for basketball for as long as I can remember.”

While her scoring and defense get a lot of attention, it’s her passing and team play that she’s most proud of. “I take the most pride in finding my open teammates. That’s the part I love most.” Helping lead Wagner back to the state tournament this year was a special moment for Ashlyn and her team. “It was really exciting, and we all wanted it so bad. It was a great way to end the season and we made a lot of memories.”

Ashlyn’s leadership stretches beyond the court as she has become a role model to younger players—something she embraces. “I love interacting with all the kids. That part’s easy because I love our community and everyone in it,” she said. “On the court, I just try to play the right way and stay composed.”

Her bond with her teammates is something she treasures. “They’re some of my best friends and are a huge part of my success and I am thankful for every one of them. Our success on the court is because of how well we get along off the court. I don’t think there are very many teams that are as close as ours.”

With more than 34 Power 4 college offers, Ashlyn admits the recruiting process has been a bit stressful at times—but she’s narrowed it down to her top five, which has helped lightened the load and made things a lot less stressful. When it comes to choosing a school, she knows what she’s looking for. “The biggest things for me is the program’s culture, the coaching staff, the style of play, and just the people there.” And after college? “My goal has always been to play professionally, whether in the WNBA or overseas,” she said.

Growing up the daughter of a coach, Ashlyn has been around the game since she was little. “I grew up in the gym. I was always at practice, always learning, and I think that’s helped my basketball IQ a lot.” For younger players hoping to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple: “Enjoy the process, live in the moment, and put in the extra time.”

Looking back, she says some of her favorite memories are the state tournaments she’s been to and played in—especially the people she’s met along the way. But there’s one goal she’s still chasing. “Winning a state championship is still on my bucket list. That’s what I’m working for in the upcoming season.”

Her father, and coach, Michael Koupal sees firsthand the dedication behind her success. “Ashlyn has a phenomenal skill set for her size. She understands the game and lets it come to her,” he said. “Our team works really well together, and having a player like Ashlyn creates opportunities for others. That’s where a lot of our success comes from.” He added, “It’s been really fun watching her grow up into the player and person she is today. She’s selfless and cares more about her teammates than herself. There are no days off—she’s relentless. She’s played with some great athletes over the years and now she’s leading the next generation. With one more year of high school left, there’s a lot to be excited about—not just for Ashlyn, but for all of Wagner basketball.”