Recruits Tuesday, January 30, 2024 NWC Athletic Communications

Raider Teams Announce 20 Recruits in January

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has announced the signings of 20 recruits in the month of January.

Baseball
Eli Menke (Lake Mills, Iowa) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern and join the baseball program.

A four-year player at Lake Mills High School, Menke has 183 strikeouts and a 2.80 ERA for his career. He is also a first team all-conference selection.

"Northwestern is a great fit for me to build a great relationship with God as well as play the game I love, receiving a high-quality education along the way," Menke said.

Menke is the son of Kyle and Marie.

Riley Sorensen (Humboldt, Iowa) has signed to join the Red Raider baseball team.

Sorensen carried a .315 batting average with a .457 OPS in his most recent season at Humboldt High School, earning second team all-conference accolades.

"Choosing Northwestern was an easy decision after my visit." Sorensen stated. "Everyone was very kind and helpful. I'm looking forward to continuing my education at Northwestern while growing in my faith!"

Sorensen is the son of Tiffany and Josh Ropte and Neal and Kate Sorensen. He plans to study secondary education at Northwestern.

Men's Golf
Jacob Medina (Tucson, Ariz.) has announced his commitment to the Northwestern men's golf program.

A senior at Ironwood Ridge High School, Medina was a member of two state championship-winning teams and was also named First Team All-Southern Arizona in 2023. He has an 18-hole low score of 66 and is currently averaging a 70.5 this season.

"I chose Northwestern College because of the competitive golf team and to bring back a GPAC championship for the Red Raiders," Medina stated.

"We are ecstatic to add another player of Jacob's caliber," head coach Aaron Aberson noted. "He's been a big part of back-to-back state championship teams and he's hungry to continue that success as a Raider. Jacob has a high golf IQ, really good fundamentals and someone we expect to compete for a varsity spot. In addition, he is a very good student and someone who wants to positively impact the community that he's a part of."

Medina is the son of Danny Medina and Jackie Napier. He plans to study management at Northwestern.

Men's Soccer
Gonzalo Domingo Diaz-Malaguilla (Santiago de Compostela, Spain) has announced his intention to join the Northwestern men's soccer program.

Playing right back and right wing for IES Antonio Fraguas, Diaz-Malaguilla has eight goals and 11 assists in his last two seasons.

"I chose Northwestern College because I reckon that is the best place for me to continue my personal development, my studies and my soccer career," Diaz-Malaguilla said.

Diaz-Malaguilla is the son of Elena Diaz-Malaguilla Agustin and Gonzalo Domingo Aragon. He plans to study computer science at Northwestern.

Lars Geutjes (Oosterhout, Netherlands) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's soccer program.

Playing wing, back, and striker with Mgr. Frencken College, Geutjes has seven goals and 13 assists for the current season.

Geutjes is the son of Wim Geutjes and Masja Arnouts. He plans to study engineering at Northwestern.

Rhys Ho (Sydney, Australia) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's soccer program.

Playing midfield, back, and wing for St. Pius X College and UNSW FC, Ho was a member of a first-place team last season.

Ho is the son of Arthur and Sheryn. He plans to study business or pre-law at Northwestern.

Josiah Hutton (Harrisburg, S.D.) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern and join the men's soccer program.

A goalkeeper at Harrisburg High School, Hutton was a multi-sport athlete, earning accolades as a four-year team captain, a three-time all-conference selection, and a school record holder for most saves in a game (24).

"I chose Northwestern because the atmosphere with the community and people were so welcoming and a reflection of the love of God," Hutton commented. "It was a comfortable environment, and when touring the halls, it felt like a place that I could call home for the next four years."

Hutton is the son of Jay and Sarah Hutton. He plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Ben Nederpel (Rotterdam, Netherlands) has announced his intention to join the Red Raider men's soccer program.

A defender for Sparta Rotterdam Academy and VV Nieuwerkerk U23, Nederpel started 21 games and scored five goals in his most recent season.

"At the first meeting, I immediately had a good feeling," commented Nederpel. "After that, I spoke to many universities, but Northwestern remained high on my list. Soon the coach put me in touch with a player and this also made me feel very welcome."

Nederpel is the son of Ray and Danielle Nederpel. He plans to study management at Northwestern.

Xavier O'Garro (Maraval, Trinidad & Tobago) has signed a letter of intent to join the men's soccer team for the 2024-25 academic year.

A defender for St. Mary's College, O'Garro started 12 of his team's 13 games last season, also playing as a member of Dakota Fusion FC where he made six starts and recorded an assist.

"I chose Northwestern because of the solid academics, great facilities and great soccer program," said O'Garro.

O'Garro is the son of Laurel Ford and Ishmael O'Garro. He plans to study economics at Northwestern.

Charlie Rowenhorst (Waterloo, Iowa) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern College and join the men's soccer program.

A senior at Waterloo West, Rowenhorst played defensive mid, left back, and striker, recording two goals, three assists, and 15 starts in his most recent season. He is also a member of Cedar Valley Soccer Club.

"I chose Northwestern because of the soccer program and Christian education," Rowenhorst stated.

Rowenhorst is the son of Robyn and Matthew Rowenhorst. He plans to study computer science at Northwestern.

Charles Saydee (Worthington, Minn.) has signed a letter of intent to join the Northwestern men's soccer team.

A midfielder at Worthington High School, Saydee earned Honorable Mention All-State Tournament team accolades, scoring three goals on the year.

"Northwestern is a good school and is close to my family," Saydee commented. "It's also a Christian school where I will be able to grow my faith in God on and off the field while pursuing my career as a soccer player."

Saydee is the son of Winifred Barlue.

Luke Williams (Rapid City, S.D.) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern College and join the men's soccer program.

Playing left wing and midfield at Rapid City Christian High School, Williams scored 11 goals and was named first team all-conference last season.

"Northwestern has a long history of academic and athletic excellence that I wanted to be part of," said Williams. "The intentionality of a Christian education also drew me to choose Northwestern. I believe I can grow in my faith while I am here."

Williams is the son of Ron and Bobbi Jo Williams. He plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Men's Tennis
Jorge Menendez Gonzalez (Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico) has signed a letter of intent to join the men's tennis team for the 2024 spring season.

After a year at NCAA Division I Prairie View A&M (Texas), Menendez joins the Raiders as a transfer sophomore.

"What made me choose Northwestern College over other universities is that I heard so many good things about the community, how you feel like home here and you always feel supported by everyone around you making it the best college experience."

Menendez is the son of Georgina Gonzalez and Fernando Menendez. He plans to study finance at Northwestern.

Women's Tennis
Pietra Ferreira (Piracicaba, Brazil) has announced her intention to join the Red Raider women's tennis program.

"I believe Northwestern is a great choice for me because not only is it a Christian college, but there is also a good tennis team, an incredible coach, and amazing academic support," Ferreira said. "I think it is perfect for me."

Ferreira is the daughter of Marilis Presoto Sanches Ferreira and Jovane Bonatto Ferreira. She plans to study psychology at Northwestern.

Men's Track and Field/Cross Country

Presley Arnold (Newton, Iowa) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern College and join the cross country team.

A three-year athlete at Newton High School, Arnold reached a PR mark of 18:08. He is also a team captain and was a member of Newton's state-qualifying team.

"I chose Northwestern because of the tremendous amount of kindness I saw everywhere on campus, and just how much everyone values faith and each other," Arnold stated.

Arnold is the son of Staci and Eric Arnold. He plans to study youth ministry or Biblical and theological studies at Northwestern.

Women's Track and Field/Cross Country
Sydney Brouwer (Bronson, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join the Northwestern track and field program.

A senior at Lawton-Bronson High School, Brouwer has PRs of 13.6 in the 100m and 28.07 in the 200m. She was a state qualifier on multiple relay teams.

"Part of what made me choose Northwestern was the way that I felt welcomed by not only the coaches, but also the team when I visited," Brouwer said. "It was clear for me to see that I could connect with the team and find myself fitting into the team easily. I also chose Northwestern because of the opportunity to get a good education at a Christian college."

Brouwer is the daughter of Kelly and Kim Brouwer. She plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Tierney Huss (Orange City, Iowa) has signed to join the Red Raider volleyball and track and field programs.

Running sprints for MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Huss has qualified for state track and field meets, the Drake Relays, and was a conference champion.

"The environment of campus and classrooms as well as the team connections and chemistry were why I chose Northwestern," Huss commented. "I love that I will be able to grow in my faith and academics at Northwestern."

Huss is the daughter of Kerby and Carrina Huss.

Kiera Rogers (Tiffin, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join Northwestern's track and field and cross country programs.

A senior at Clear Creek Amana High School, Rogers is a second team all-conference performer in both sports, also earning academic all-conference honors.

"From the first moment I stepped on campus it felt like home," Rogers said. "The professors and students were very welcoming. Northwestern is a place where I can further my education but also grow more in my faith."

Rogers is the daughter of Jennifer and Tim Rogers. She plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Volleyball
Madison Beckmann (Worthington, Minn.) has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Northwestern.

A multi-sport athlete at Worthington Senior High School, Beckmann recorded 131 blocks and 568 kills in her high school career. She was also named an All-Big South Conference performer and Most Valuable Player.

"I chose Northwestern because the second I stepped on campus the day I toured the college, it felt so welcoming," Beckmann commented. "Everywhere you look you see smiling faces, making it feel like home. Northwestern strives to make you grow as a person spiritually, academically, and mentally, which is something you don't find at many other colleges. I am beyond excited to be surrounded by people who live in God's word and preach it every single day. I am proud to say that I have been given an amazing opportunity to be a student athlete for Northwestern while walking in faith with Christ!"

Beckmann is the daughter of Malik and Miranda Sampson and Lance and Shelly Beckmann. She plans to study physical therapy or nursing at Northwestern.

Tierney Huss (Orange City, Iowa) has signed to join the Red Raider volleyball and track and field programs.

A three-year player for MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Huss totaled 1,843 digs for her career, earning first team all-conference accolades.

"The environment of campus and classrooms as well as the team connections and chemistry were why I chose Northwestern," Huss commented. "I love that I will be able to grow in my faith and academics at Northwestern."

Huss is the daughter of Kerby and Carrina Huss.

Stella Winterfeld (Sioux Center, Iowa) has announced her intention to join the Red Raider volleyball program in 2024-25.

A transfer from South Dakota State University, Winterfeld played one season for the Jackrabbits. Appearing in 28 matches, she totaled 383 digs and 25 service aces. She recorded a season-high 27 digs on September 1 against Kent State.

Prior to SDSU, Winterfeld played three seasons at Western Christian High School, notching 1,262 kills, 957 digs and 99 service aces. She also was a state champion and two-time all-state selection.

"I chose Northwestern College because I wanted to have a faith-based education and Christian community that will prepare me for my future career, along with the opportunity to continue my volleyball career in a Christ-centered atmosphere," Winterfeld said.

Winterfeld is the daughter of Dan and Sara Winterfeld. She plans to study psychology at Northwestern.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

Jorge Menendez: 5' 4"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Jorge Menendez
: 5' 4"; Sophomore