ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- The Northwestern College athletic communications office announces the signings of 14 athletic recruits for the month of December.

Volleyball
Sarah Gritters (Pella, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Northwestern College. 

Gritters is a multi-sport athlete that competed in soccer for three years in addition to her volleyball career at Pella Christian. Thus far in her career Gritters has 818 kills at a .215 efficiency, 122 blocks, 346 digs and 107 aces. Earlier in her career Gritters earned second team all-conference and all-district honors. For her senior season efforts, she earned unanimous first team all-conference and all-district honors. Gritters also was awarded an all-state honorable mention spot for class 2A.

"Sarah is an explosive outside hitter who had an excellent high school career for Pella Christian," stated head coach Kyle Van Den Bosch. "Being a six rotation high school player has really helped develop her overall skill set. Sarah is a quality Christian young lady who will bless our team in multiple ways both on and off the court. We are excited to welcome Sarah to our campus community and to our volleyball team."

Gritters plans to study Nursing at Northwestern College. She is an honor roll student that received academic all-conference and all-state honors. Gritters is the daughter of Matt and Kim.

"I loved the feel of community on campus and I felt that I would fit in well as a Raider," stated Gritters about her decision to join the Northwestern volleyball program.

Men's Golf
Jack Noteboom (Orange City, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue his golf career at Northwestern College. 

Noteboom has competed in three varsity golf seasons for the Knights of Unity Christian. His best 18-hole score is 75 with 78 being his 18-hole average. He was a first team War Eagle Conference honoree and a state qualifier thus far in his high school career.

"We are thrilled Jack is joining the Raider golf family," stated head coach Aaron Aberson. "I've had the opportunity to see his growth in golf up close and he's been someone we've wanted to add to our program for quite a few years. Jack's athleticism and willingness to work hard will translate to a very bright future."

Noteboom plans to study Business at Northwestern. He is an honor roll student. Noteboom is the son of Bruce and Sheila.

"It is a good Christian college with a good golf program with a great coach," stated Noteboom when asked what made him choose Northwestern.

Dance
Averie Price (Coggon, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue her competitive dance career at Northwestern College. 

Price has four years of dance experience at North Linn. She was a state champion in Jazz Class I. Price also posted state runner-up finishes in Pom Class III, Hip-Hop Class II and Pom Class IV. She also received a Class II Solo Division I rating in 2020.

"We are excited to have Averie join us in the fall, she brings great talent and with her bubbly personality she'll be a great fit with the rest of our team," stated head coach Taylor Nygren.

Price plans to study Elementary Education at Northwestern. She is on the academic honor roll. Price is the daughter of Shellia and Lynn.

"I wanted to go to a Christ centered college where I would be pushed in my faith every single day," stated Price. "I knew God was calling me to a school like Northwestern. When I stepped foot on campus I knew it was where I was meant to be. I felt an overwhelming presence of God and knew He would always be with me on this campus."

Women's Cross Country
Bree Van Genderen (Allison, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue her cross country career at Northwestern College. 

Van Genderen is a four year varsity competitor for North Butler High School. She has a PR of 22:44 and was a second team all-conference selection in her junior season. She is a four-time letter winner and was the team MVP her junior season.

"We are happy that Bree is joining our Raider women's cross country team!" stated head coach Scott Bahrke. "She is super sweet and works really hard. It will be fun to see her improve during her time at Northwestern."

Van Genderen plans to study Psychology at Northwestern. She is a four year honor roll student and a member of NHS. She is the daughter of Kara and Ben.

"I am excited to increase in my spiritual, academic, and athletic areas of life," said Van Genderen. "It's such a blessing to find a school that will push me in all three!"

Men's Basketball
Coy Determan (Gregory, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Northwestern College. 

Determan is an all-conference honoree from Gregory High School. He is nearly averaging a double-double with 23.1 points per game and 9.1 rebounds per game. Determan is also dishing out 3.7 assists per game to go along with 3.0 steals.

"We are excited Coy will be joining us," stated head coach Kris Korver. "Coy is an excellent shooter and a gym rat. He has been coached really well and understands how to play the game. We look forward to getting him on campus and working with Coy on a daily basis. We think he has a bright future!"

Determan plans to study Exercise Science at Northwestern. He is an honor roll student. Determan is the son of Mya and Tommy.

When asked why he chose Northwestern, Determan stated, "The facilities and the overall culture."

Kaleb Booth (Carroll, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Northwestern College. 

Booth is averaging 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game for Carroll High School. Thus far in his career Booth has earned third team all-state as well as first and second team all-conference honors.

"Kaleb is a dynamic point guard with a high basketball IQ," noted head coach Kris Korver. "He understands the game, competes, can shoot it and makes the game easier for others. He has been coached well in high school and has a really strong work ethic. We look forward to getting him on campus and working with him on a daily basis. We are thrilled to have Kaleb joining us and we think he is going to have a great career!"

Booth is an honor roll student and he plans to study Business at Northwestern. He is the son of Sandra and Bret.

"I liked the campus and community, in addition to that I liked the coaches and team," stated Booth.

Nathan Koole (Sioux Falls, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Northwestern College. 

Koole was part of the 2021 Class A state championship team at Sioux Falls Christian. Koole made an impact averaging a double-double in the state tournament. He is also the owner of three other state titles in track and cross country.

"Nate is a big man that we are really excited about," said head coach Kris Korver. "He can block shots and rebound and make his presence felt in the paint. He was a part of a state championship team last year and comes from a winning program. As he sets goals, gets in the weight room, works on his game and adjusts to the pace of the college game – he will get better and better. We look forward to getting him on campus and getting to work with him on a daily basis!"

Koole plans to study Secondary Education at Northwestern. He is a member of the high honor roll and National Honor Society. Koole is also an academic all-state honoree. He is the son of Doug and Sara.

"I chose Northwestern College because of its athletic and academic programs and the emphasis on faith development," stated Koole. "I connected with the coaches and felt at home right away."

Carter Van Hulzen (Edgerton, Minn.) has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Northwestern College. 

Van Hulzen is an all-conference and all-area team member who averages just over 15 points per game for Southwest Minnesota Christian. He is also averaging 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and just over one steal a game thus far.

"Carter is a quality young man and we are excited to have him joining us," said head coach Kris Korver. "He is a 6'6" wing who can shoot the ball. He has been coached well and played for a great high school program. He understands the game and has the kind of character that we are looking for in our players. He will be a great addition to our program and a blessing to our campus community. We look forward to having him on campus and working with him!"

Van Hulzen plans to study Business at Northwestern. He is an honor roll student. Van Hulzen is the son of Kirk and Erin.

"Northwestern has an amazing basketball program, and is a very solid Christian college with a great business program," stated Van Hulzen on his decision to join the Raiders.

Men's Cross Country and Track & Field
Ben VanDeBerg (Brandon, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to continue both his cross county and track and field careers at Northwestern College.  

VanDeBerg is a varsity caption for the Brandon Valley squad. He also earned all-Eastern South Dakota Conference and all-metro conference honors. VanDeBerg is also an all class AA all-state top 25 runner. He ran a personal record of 16:45 at the South Dakota state meet last fall.

"Ben is an excellent distance runner," stated head coach Scott Bahrke. "We are excited to have him racing for our men's cross country and track teams at Northwestern! He understands what is means to be disciplined in all areas of your life."

VanDeBerg plans to study Actuary Science at Northwestern. He is an academic all-state honoree and an honor roll student. He is the son of Paul and Tammy.

"I loved the team atmosphere when I did my overnight visit and I could clearly see myself being part of that group," stated VanDeBerg. "That strength of the actuary science program was also important for me."

Brayden Dirks (Marcus, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent continue both his cross country and track careers at Northwestern College. 

Dirks is a four-time letter winner at MMCRU for track and a two-time letter winner for cross country. He has earned all-district honors three times for his efforts on the track. Dirks also owns multiple all-conference selections and is a team captain.

"Brayden will be a wonderful addition to our men's distance crew here at Northwestern!" said head coach Scott Bahrke. "He loves to run and loves his teammates. I know he is excited to grow as a runner and a person as a Red Raider."

Dirks plans to study Exercise Science with strength and conditioning as a focus at Northwestern. He is a War Eagle academic all-conference honoree. Dirks is the son of Bryan and Krista.

"I felt as home when I visited campus both times; the facilities are amazing and very modern; the team and Coach Bahrke will give me an opportunity to succeed and they are great to be around; the exercise science programs are very advanced and will easily help me reach my desired profession," stated Dirks.

Men's Soccer
Gerome Gohlke (Hamburg, Germany) has signed a letter of intent to continue his soccer career at Northwestern College. 

Gohlke is a center back that plays for VfB Lübeck. Currently Gohlke's team sits fourth in the league's standings and he has one assist to his credit from his defensive position.

"With one graduating senior from our group of varsity defenders, Gerome will have an opportunity to come in and compete for that opening," noted head coach Dan Swier. "His personality will be a great fit in our team and on the field he is a tough competitor. We are excited about what the future holds for him at Northwestern."

Gohlke plans to study Sport Management at Northwestern. He is the son of Viviane Von Wehren and Goetz Von Wehren.

"Northwestern gives me the opportunity to combine soccer and education on an excellent level," stated Gohlke. "I got along with Coach Swier very well and I like his playing style, same goes for the team. I've already talked to some guys on the team and all were nice and welcoming. I think Northwestern will be a great home for me in the upcoming years and I'll give all I got to support the team to become the best it has ever been!"

Jacksen Dykstra (Alton, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue his soccer career at Northwestern College. 

Dykstra compiled nine goals and three assists during his junior season for the Unity Christian Knights. He has 16 career goals with a senior season upcoming. Dykstra was a War Eagle Conference honorable mention honoree.

"Jacksen is an up-and-coming player," noted head coach Dan Swier. He competes hard, he has a bright personality, and he has been improving a lot as a player in the last 12 months. He is a solid young man and will certainly contribute to the positive team culture that we have here."

Dykstra plans to study Exercise Science at Northwestern. He is an honor roll student. Dykstra is the son of Vern and Stacie.

"I chose Northwestern College because they have a strong team and also a great coach," stated Dykstra. "I also chose Northwestern because it's a great school for me academically."

Omar Topete (Hawarden, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue his soccer career at Northwestern College. 

Topete is a second team all-conference honoree for West Sioux High School. He started all 15 games and his team finished in the substate semi-finals. Topete is a varsity captain that has three letter winning years with his senior season upcoming.

"It has been a joy getting to know Omar throughout the recruiting process," said head coach Dan Swier. "He is a mature young man who is continuing to grow and develop as a player. The best is yet to come for him as a player. He is another local talent that we feel has a lot to offer to our program."

Topete plans to study Exercise Science at Northwestern. He is a member of the National Honor Society and an honor roll student. Topete is the son of Pedro and Guadalupe.

"Northwestern was the perfect fit for me academically and athletically," stated Topete. "I come from a Christian family so being able to connect closer with God and grow as a player and person spiritually and physically. I am so excited to be a part of an amazing community and continue my career!"

Micah Bonestroo (Alton, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue his soccer career at Northwestern College. 

Bonestroo is a two-time varsity letter winner at MOC-Floyd Valley. His team finished second in the conference and he totaled eleven goals and five assists during his junior season. Bonestroo led the Siouxland Conference in points.

"Micah has been interested in our program for a long time," said head coach Dan Swier. "Being so close to campus has allowed us to watch him play since he was early in his high school career. He is a true student of the game and a very coachable player. We look forward to his contributions during his time at Northwestern and in our program."

Bonestroo plans to study either Computer Science or Sport Management at Northwestern. He is a President's award recipient and an honor roll student. Bonestroo is the son of Scott and Krista.

"Northwestern College allows me an opportunity to grow in my faith and to be challenged athletically and academically," said Bonestroo.
 

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