For redshirt senior Jillian Aschoff, a late basketball recruiting journey opened the doors to UNK. A place that aligned with her goals for the future.
“Originally, I was going to go to Creighton since that’s where my dad went, but I ultimately decided on UNK,” Aschoff said. “Once I found UNK, it just felt like the perfect fit for me.”
The decision came with full support from her family.
“My parents supported me no matter what,” Aschoff said. “Whether I decided to play basketball at the college level or not, they just wanted me to choose what made me happy.”
Now in her final season, Aschoff has cemented her place in program history. The senior sits No. 1 on UNK’s all-time assists list with 469. Along with record-breaking assist numbers, she has also compiled 963 points and 559 rebounds. Those accomplishments however, did not happen overnight.
After taking a redshirt during her first year with the team, Aschoff began carving out her role the following season. During the 2022–23 campaign, she appeared in 11 games as a freshman, marking the beginning of the success to come.
“The jump from high school to college was huge,” Aschoff said. “Defense became really important to my development. It forced me to grow and adjust my game.”
That growth became clear during her sophomore season when she started all 30 games, averaging nine points, six rebounds and five assists while logging more than 32 minutes per night.
“Jillian’s basketball IQ is extremely high; she processes the game faster than most players,” said Drew Johnson, UNK women’s basketball coach. “Her ability to push the pace in transition really helps our offense.”
Aschoff continued her upward trajectory as a redshirt junior, raising her scoring average to 12 points per game while remaining a consistent facilitator and rebounder.
This season through 23 games, Aschoff is averaging 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists while playing more than 33 minutes per contest.
Yet for Aschoff, individual success has always been secondary.
“A lot of my accomplishments aren’t just mine,” Aschoff said. “They’re team accomplishments. Everything we do is about helping each other succeed.”
Her versatility has been evident this season with two triple-doubles. The first against Chadron State on Dec. 16 and the second on Jan. 6 versus Fort Hays State. Those efforts put her on a short list of players with a triple-double and the only player in program history with multiple.
“She’s as humble as they come, but what she’s done here is really special,” Johnson said. “Jillian will go down as one of the best passing point guards in school history, and I couldn’t be more proud of the growth she’s shown.”
Despite the recognition, Aschoff remains grounded.
“I’m a very passionate player,” Aschoff said. “I’m going to give everything I have every time I step on the court.”
Much of that drive stems from mentors who helped shape her long before arriving in Kearney. Aschoff credits her high school coach and former Husker Andy Markowski for preparing her for the next level.
Inside the program, her leadership has steadily evolved.
“She has always had a pass-first mentality, and as her confidence has grown, she’s taken command of the floor,” Johnson said. “Now she can score in multiple ways while still making sure her teammates are in the best position to succeed.”
Preparation has become one of Aschoff’s defining traits, reflecting the work ethic that has shaped both her performance and her presence within the program. Johnson said her commitment goes far beyond game day, setting the tone for those around her while reinforcing the culture inside the locker room.
“Beyond basketball, she brings humor and energy into every room,” Johnson said. “She’s kind-hearted, cares deeply about people, and adds so much to our locker room and culture.”
