Monday, September 16, 2024
Parents’ names: Julie Kopling and Andrew Kopling
Sibling: Colleen Kopling (14)
Instagram: @aubreykopling
Position or events: The 400 is my main event but I also compete in the 100, 200 and 800.
Career highlight: Scoring for my team at state in the 400.
At what age did you start playing your main sport?
Probably around seven.
Who introduced you to the sport?
Both of my parents ran track in high school and passed their love for running down to me. My mom also competed in college.
Has this always been your favorite sport?
Yes, track has always been my favorite.
How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
For me, it got easier as high school went on to balance between sports and schoolwork because I’ve learned how to manage my time better. I’m more prepared now than I was when I first started high school.
What is your favorite part about this sport? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
My favorite part about track is that I compete against not only my opponents, but also myself. While it’s super fun to win a meet, I’m more excited when I accomplish a new personal best in my event. I love being able to compare my times at the beginning of the season to my times towards the end of the season leading into state.
Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?
Definitely Simone Biles. I used to compete as a gymnast so I always looked up to her from that. I also admire her ability to compete and challenge herself after injuries and mental health issues.
What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court/ice?
I think in the 400 specifically I have more endurance than most 400 runners because I also compete in cross country and I typically catch people in the last 100 of the race.
What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
Sophomore year a big group of De Pere’s state qualifiers got together and dyed our hair red for the state meet which was really fun.
How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
It’s really cool to see all the people I got to know through school and sports. I also like looking back at my race mentality freshman year and seeing the difference in how I race now.
Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
Typically on meet days I start drinking a bubbl’r after I eat lunch and finish it on the bus on the way to the meet. I think it gives me energy and also helps ease some of my nerves. I also say a little prayer right before I get in the blocks to ask God to give me the strength to push through the pain and give the race everything I have.
Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I do my hair the same way for every meet and it helps me feel more prepared and get in the competitive mindset.
Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
Even though I compete and practice with the sprinters during track season, my cross country coaches, Coach Hendricks, Coach Deshazer and Coach Joseph always look out for and congratulate me. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them.
Any hobbies outside of sports?
I like reading, playing board games, eating, traveling and hanging out with friends.
Favorite song?
“Dreams,” by Fleetwood Mac.
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
I like drinking Gatorade after racing but while I’m warming up and preparing for my race I prefer water.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My car has a cd player, so I like to find cds at thrift stores and collect them in my car.
Future plans?
I’m planning on majoring in mechanical engineering and hopefully going on to get my masters in aeronautical engineering.
