The Wagner Red Raiders girls basketball team is set to tip off the 2025 season with high expectations and a strong core returning to the court. Head coach Mike Koupal, now in his 18th year of coaching, says the team brings back four starters along with a talented group of young players ready to contribute.

“Our expectations are high,” said Koupal. “We return four starters from a year ago with a great nucleus of young players that will help bolster our lineup night in and night out.”

Among the goals set by the team this season are winning both conferences, capturing a region championship, defeating opponents in two classic tournaments, and ultimately earning a trip back to the State Tournament after finishing 7th at State last season.

The Raiders’ biggest strength this year will be their experience and leadership. Returning starters include senior Ashlyn Koupal and juniors Braxton Nedved, Ravyn Medricky, and Hayden Knudsen. Mateya Bruguier also returns after finishing last season strong off the bench.

Fans can expect an exciting brand of basketball this winter. “We like to play fast with an inside-outside presence,” Koupal said. “We have to get the ball into the paint, whether through our posts or guards attacking.”

Several younger players are also expected to make an impact. Sophomores Olivia Podzimek, Braelyn Scott, and Mila Hopkins return with valuable varsity experience, while Hannah Holzbauer and Katrina Zephier return after being sidelined with injuries for much of last season.

Summer workouts and preseason practices have gone well, with players staying active through AAU basketball, league games in Yankton, and team camps. Early practices have focused heavily on fundamentals such as ball handling, passing, defense, movement without the ball, and playing through contact.

The Raiders will face tough competition again this season, including strong matchups against Winner, Parkston, Ethan, and Miller, along with competition in two classic tournaments. “We have a great bunch of young ladies,” commented Coach Koupal, “it’s always fun to see how we progress as the year goes on, win or lose.”

Koupal emphasized the importance of team roles and resilience. “A season is a marathon, not a race. There are going to be ups and downs, we need to be resilient to overcome those and continue to push forward,” he said. “We need to come to practice and work hard with a purpose to get better every day,” he added, “practice should be harder than games for the most part.”

Community support continues to be a key part of Wagner athletics. “The community has been great supporters of Wagner athletics. Filling the stands for the kids is greatly appreciated,” Koupal added.

The coaching staff includes Mike Koupal, Tera Koupal, Courtney Baumgart, and Travis Holiday.

Team Roster

Senior: Ashlyn Koupal Juniors: Braxton Nedved, Ravyn Medricky, Hayden Knudsen, Mateya Bruguier, Katrina Zephier Sophomores: Mila Hopkins, Olivia Podzimek, Braelyn Scott, Hannah Holzbauer, Lyrik Martin Freshmen: Portlyn Jones, Audry Honomichl, Aryonni Picotte, TyShay Medicine Bear, Valencia Big Bear, Kaitlyn Zephier, Jenna Traversie With experience, depth, and strong chemistry developing, the Red Raiders are ready to chase their goals as the season gets underway.