WAGNER — Nebraska had everything Ashlyn Koupal was looking for in a college. 

Koupal, a nationally-ranked women’s college basketball prospect from Wagner, committed to the Cornhuskers on Saturday, Aug. 9 and it cemented her decision she’s long anticipated. 

“I feel like I have kind of known for a while,” Koupal said about picking Nebraska. “I kind of knew I wanted to commit on this visit that I took. Everything about Nebraska felt like it was home for me and everything that I have been looking for in a college I feel like is in Nebraska.”

Koupal, a 6-foot-3 do-it-all guard/forward, cited her relationships with the coaching staff and players for picking Nebraska. The Huskers are coached by Spearfish native Amy Williams. 

Koupal said the Huskers envision her playing power forward. Koupal picked the Huskers over other finalists Michigan State, Duke, TCU and Kansas. 

Koupal visited Michigan State earlier this year, and had visits scheduled with Duke, TCU and Kansas. However, her visit to Lincoln solidified her decision to be a Husker.   

“It was so exciting,” Koupal said about committing. “One of the most exciting moments I have had. But also a huge sense of relief, just knowing I can focus on one school now, and it was just so exciting.”

Koupal, who is the No. 9-ranked player in the Class of 2026 by 247sports.com, ascended into a highly-recruited women’s college basketball prospect in recent years. She received a host of college scholarship offers throughout high school, and said it was overwhelming at times. 

But said she still enjoyed the recruiting process. 

“I still tried to enjoy it because I knew how many people would want to be in my position right now,” Koupal said. “But it also got to be a lot. So that’s when I narrowed it down and it made me enjoy the recruiting process a little more, and try to have fun with it because that really only does happen once in a lifetime. But having it done now is super exciting and I have been waiting for this moment when I make my decision.” 

Koupal, who is leaning toward majoring in business, said she can now focus on her senior season with the Red Raiders. 

“I am really excited just to be able to focus on my senior year and just have fun,” said Koupal, who is also a five-time Class A state high jump champ. 

Koupal was the South Dakota Class A girls basketball player of the year last season. She was also named this year’s Gatorade South Dakota girls basketball player of the year. Koupal has been named to the Class A all-state first-team the past three seasons. 

She led the Red Raiders (18-7) to a seventh-place finish at the Class A state tournament. 

Koupal averaged 22.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.5 blocks and 2.3 steals per game this season. She shot 58% from the field and 85% from the free-throw line. 

She recorded one quadruple-double, two triple-doubles and 10 double-doubles last season.