SIOUX FALLS — Wagner’s Ashlyn Koupal made South Dakota track and field history on May 28.

The Red Raider senior became the first athlete in South Dakota history to win six consecutive individual state titles, going six straight years as Class A girls high jump champion.

“That’s crazy, I did not know that,” said Koupal. “I’m just super grateful and honored, because I did not know that at all so that was cool to hear.”

During the opening day of the 2026 state track and field meet, Koupal leaped above the competition as the only competitor to clear 5-06. But she says it was the most pressure she’d felt before competing in her high school career.

“That was definitely the most nervous I’d ever been for any sport, even basketball,” Koupal said. “I think it didn't helped that I jumped at 3, later in the day, so I kind of had time to think about it all day. It feels really good that it’s over with and I got another one under my belt.”

Koupal, who has won the Class A girls high jump title every year since 2021, added how with each year there was growing pressure to keep her streak going.

“A lot of people wanted to beat me this year and there’s just a lot of pressure,” Koupal said. “Every year there’s more and more pressure. So just getting over that and having trust in my coach, like he knows what he’s doing and I trust everything he’s telling me.”

Ashlyn Koupal , of Wagner, competes in the girls high jump during the South Dakota state high school track and field championships Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Sioux Falls. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

But the pressure didn’t get to Koupal on May 28. She cleared each of her first five jumps in the first attempt, outlasting Hill City’s Lillie Ham and Lennox’s Holly Gillick, both clearing 5-05.

“I feel like I’m always nervous up until the first jump and then I’m usually fine,” Koupal said. “But also with high jump, there’s a lot of time just sitting around watching other people jump, just a lot of thoughts going through your head. But I felt really good today.

“My coaches instilled in me how important it is to clear every jump on the first attempt and how important every jump is because that can be what it comes down to in the end.”

And it was a moment of reflection for Koupal who competed in the high jump event for the last team in her high school career. She says it’s been a long, but fast journey to winning her sixth-straight championship.

Ashlyn Koupal, of Wagner, celebrates her win in the high jump during the Class A girls high jump on day one of the SDHSAA state track and field championships at Howard Wood in Sioux Falls. (Matt Gade / 605 Sports)

“I was just thinking about seventh grade year and how I’m already right here, right now,” Koupal said. Seventh-grade year I just went there, and I was just happy to be there. I didn’t really know what to expect and then I won it and then obviously my goal from there was to win it and now that I’ve actually done it, I think my seventh grade self would be very proud right now.”

Koupal will compete in the Class A girls shot put on Friday at 2 p.m. before she closes her legendary high school career.

The future University of Nebraska women’s basketball player reports to Lincoln on June 7, but says it’s been an unbelievable ride representing Wagner.

“I’ve been very blessed in Wagner and had a lot of opportunities and a lot of state tournaments,” Koupal said. “I really couldn’t do it without the people around me. I wouldn’t be where I am without (Patrick) Belling, my high jump coach, or any of my teammates or people who have pushed me everyday like my parents, family, friends. It’s just been a really fun career. It’s really crazy that after I throw shot put tomorrow, I’m done with high school forever. It’s something I don’t know if I’m ready for but I’m also really excited for the next step.”