Ashlyn Koupal, a junior from Wagner, has now won five ‘A’ state high jump championships. She claimed the title on Thursday in Sioux Falls at Howard Wood Field during the 2025 state meet.
Koupal’s jump of 5-05 was good enough to get the job done this time around. A year ago, as a sophomore, she jumped 5-04 to win the title.
“It feels good. I think there’s definitely a lot more pressure today, so this one definitely feels the best,” she mentioned. “I think every year comes with more pressure, so I’m just glad that it’s done.”
As far as her routine, Koupal keeps it pretty simple.
“Staying focused on myself, not trying to worry about the other jumpers – worrying about my next jump and what I need to do kind of helps me,” she explained.
Most know Koupal for her skills on the basketball court as she’s one of the highest recruited girls hoops players in state history. But in high jump, an event that her aunt Mandy also competed in ‘back in the day,’ she’s carving out an impressive career as well.
“I didn’t even start off with high jump my seventh-grade year, so if you would have told me then that this is where I’d be, I would not believe you. I’m just super grateful. Thankful for my coaches getting me into it and trusting me with it,” she exclaimed. “I do take pride in how hard I’ve worked towards this, but I’m just going to continue working and go for six next year.”
Before Koupal competes for a sixth high jump title a year from now, she’ll be making her decision on where to play college basketball. She expects that decision to become official in November.
