Recruits Monday, April 1, 2024 NWC Athletic Communications

Northwestern Welcomes Recruits to Upcoming Class

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has announced the signings of 31 recruits for the 2024-25 academic year.

Baseball
Nick Albro (Churchill, Mont.; Manhattan Christian)

Multi-sport athlete in baseball, basketball, and football
Season Stats: 2.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 86 mph fastball
Honor roll member
Earned Most Improved Player honors
"I chose Northwestern because I wanted a place where I could grow in my relationship with God. Northwestern staff and students glorify God through academics and athletics; I wanted to be a part of that. On my visit, I connected with the coaching staff and team and immediately knew I wanted to be a part of the program. I'm thankful for this opportunity to play baseball and worship God in an amazing community. Roll Raiders!"
Son of Chris and Carrie
Plans to study business administration

Men's Basketball
Kadyn Fast (Iroquois, S.D.; De Smet)

Multi-sport athlete in basketball, football, track, and golf
National Honor Society member and Academic All-State selection
Four-time all-conference selection, three-time state champion
"I chose NWC because it is not only known for its successful sports programs but also for its exceptional academic opportunities. I am beyond grateful to be a part of this tradition. NWC will help me grow as a basketball player, a student, and in my faith."
Son of Jamie Fast
Plans to study ag business

Dane Geetings (Pella, Iowa; Pella Christian)

Three-year varsity athlete
Second Team All-Conference and All-District
Little Hawkeye Conference All-Academic selection
Season Stats: 13 pts, 3 ast, 2 reb
Career Stats: 12 pts, 3 ast, 3 reb, 2 stl
"I chose Northwestern because they have a great atmosphere on campus. Northwestern has a great basketball program and is a place where I can grow on and off the court."
Son of Brent and Melissa Geetings
Plans to study sport management

Kaleb Knothe (Worthington, Minn.; Worthington)

Multi-sport athlete in basketball, cross country, soccer, and baseball
Two-time All-Conference
900 career points
Season Stats: 14 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast
Member of National Honor Society
"I chose Northwestern because the atmosphere was unlike any other college."
Son of Tasha and Eric Winch and Karl Knothe
Plans to study finance

Women's Basketball
Charlotte Pritchard (Spirit Lake, Iowa; Spirit Lake)

Multi-sport athlete in basketball, track and field, and cross country
On Spirit Lake team that went 16-6; scored 116 points, had 76 rebounds, 27 assists, 21 steals
Academic All-State, Lakes Conference First Team Academic All-Conference
"I chose Northwestern College because I could tell that Northwestern was right for me athletically and academically. I knew the way Christ was elevated, and by the people I've met there so far, that it would become my home."
Daughter of Jeremy and Joy Pritchard
Plans to study biology

Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Justin DeHoyos (Marion, Texas; Marion)

Also will join the Red Raider football program
Personal Bests: Shot Put (46'7")
Area Finalist in Shot Put
Academic All-District selection
Member of National Honor Society
"I chose Northwestern because of the family and small town atmosphere."
Son of Tara and Jonathan
Plans to study exercise science

Jacob Hight (Ankeny, Iowa; Grand View Christian School)

Four-year athlete in cross country and track and field
Personal Best: 5K (18:13)
"I chose to attend Northwestern because of their excellent academic and fine arts programs as well as amazing discipleship opportunities."
Son of Dale and Heidi Hight
Plans to study psychology

Jake Huston (Pella, Iowa; Pella Community)

Member of Pella's track and field and cross country teams
Personal Bests: 5K (17:11), 3200m (11:05), 1600m (5:15)
Academic All-Conference and Academic All-State selection
Member of National Honor Society
"I chose Northwestern because of its academics and athletics. I really liked the science opportunities that the college provides. I can also continue my running career with an excellent program."
Son of Chris and Kristy
Plans to study Biology – Health Professions

Zachary Mayo (Dayton, Minn.; Champlin Park)

Plans to be a member of the Red Raider wrestling and track and field teams
Personal Bests: Pole Vault (10'), 400m (53.0)
"I chose Northwestern College because of the team culture as well as the community which influenced my decision heavily. When I visited, it felt like a place I belonged. My decision took some time but ultimately it was the right one for me to continue my academic and athletic careers. It will help me grow my connection with God and lead me on a successful path."
Son of Brian and Claudine
Plans to study finance

Trenton Struss (Newell, Iowa; Newell-Fonda)

Four-year athlete in football and track and field
Personal Bests: 400m (55.6), 100m (11.7), 200m (24.3)
State track qualifier, school-record holder in 4x100m and sprint medley
Member of National Honor Society
Academic All-State selection, IHSAA Distinguished Academic Achievement Award
"I chose Northwestern because of how it felt like home. I stayed overnight during a Red 101 day event and had a wonderful experience. Everyone was friendly and always ready to answer any and all questions. I had a lot of fun and getting offered a scholarship to continue running track gave me that feeling of being 'wanted.'"
Son of Eric and Mindy Puhrmann
Plans to study exercise science/kinesiology

Carson Van Sickle (Ogden, Iowa; Ogden)

Honor roll student
Personal Bests: 5K (16:03), 800m (1:59), 1600m (4:43), High Jump (6'1")
Three-time cross country state qualifier, two-time all-state cross country, two-time cross country all-conference, five-time track and field state qualifier
"I chose Northwestern because it felt like home."
Son of Matt and Tracy Van Sickle
Plans to study business management

Seth Vander Sluis (Le Mars, Iowa; Le Mars)

Personal Bests: 800m (2:17), Discus (112')
Honor roll student
Four-time letterwinner in cross country, three-time letterwinner in track and field
"I chose Northwestern because I felt like I was known as an individual and that I was not alone."
Son of Ryan and Dyan Vander Sluis
Plans to study exercise science

Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
Payge Bahrke (Orange City, Iowa, MOC-Floyd Valley)

Three-year cross country and track athlete
Personal Bests: 5K (22:07)
Honor roll student
State qualifier
"I chose Northwestern because of the community. Growing up here, I've always known I wanted to go to college at Northwestern. I'm excited for the new experiences and opportunities it will give me and can't wait to build relationships and grow in my Faith with those around me."
Daughter of Lyndsay and Scott Bahrke

Payton Kleinhesselink (Orange City, Iowa; MOC-Floyd Valley)

Member of the MOC-FV volleyball, basketball, track, and softball teams
Three-time state qualifier
Season Bests: 100m H (16.84), 4x100 (48.91)
Member of National Honor Society
"I chose Northwestern because it felt like home, and I felt a sense of community."
Daughter of Amy and Riley Kleinhesselink

Sarah Lunning (Hanlontown, Iowa; Forest City/North Iowa Area Community College)

Transferring to Northwestern from North Iowa Area Community College
Personal Bests: 5K (21:42)
Four-time high school academic letterwinner, Academic All-State
First Team All-Conference
"Northwestern College is perfect for me because it has everything I was looking for in a college. It has a great athletic program for running, has a successful accounting program, and is most importantly centered around building a strong relationship with Christ. I am so excited to grow in all of these areas and meet others who share similar interests!"
Daughter of Alan and Wendy Lunning
Plans to study accounting

Charlotte Pritchard (Spirit Lake, Iowa; Spirit Lake)

Multi-sport athlete in basketball, track and field, and cross country
Personal Bests: 5K (21:48.51), 400m (1:08.12)
Academic All-State, Lakes Conference First Team Academic All-Conference
"I chose Northwestern College because I could tell that Northwestern was right for me athletically and academically. I knew the way Christ was elevated, and by the people I've met there so far, that it would become my home."
Daughter of Jeremy and Joy Pritchard
Plans to study biology

Sara Thonvold (Clark, S.D.; Clark)

Five-year varsity athlete
Personal Bests: 100m H (16.21), 300m H (53.37), Long Jump (14'5")
Honor roll student
"I chose Northwestern College because I loved the people and the environment they provided! It felt super welcoming and supportive from the moment I stepped on campus!"
Daughter of Brian and Kari Thonvold

Emilie Weaver (Forest City, Iowa; Homeschool/Forest City)

Four-year member of the Forest City track and cross country teams
Personal Bests: 5K (20:58), 1500m (5:14), 800m (2:32), 400m (1:06)
School-record holder in the 4x800m, All-State and All-Conference selection, team captain
"I chose Northwestern because of the evident joy I saw in both students and faculty. So many people I encountered had a clear desire to grow in Christ's likeness. I am eager to be a part of this community."
Daughter of Eric and Kate Weaver
Plans to study exercise science

Men's Soccer
Carlos Alvarez (Marshall, Mo.; Crete)

First Team All-Conference defender
Honorable Mention Class B All-State
Career Stats: 7 G, 4 AST
Honor roll student
"I chose Northwestern because it made me feel at home."
Member of Dreamers FC
Son of Marixa and Daniel
Plans to study engineering and business

Miles Baccam (Hull, Iowa; Western Christian)

Forward and midfielder
Season Stats: 18 G, 10 AST
Career Stats: 43 G, 26 AST
Three-time all-conference selection, two-time state all-tournament, 2023 state tournament MVP, 2023 state champion
"I chose Northwestern because of the great Christian atmosphere. It felt like home, the coaches made me feel welcome, and both of my brothers go there and have really enjoyed the environment."
Son of Sou and Mindy Baccam
Plans to study education or sport management

Hugo Garcia (Worthington, Minn.; Worthington)

Center back and left back
Scored two goals on a team that went 17-2 last season
All-Conference selection
Member of Worthington Community FC
"I chose Northwestern because of the positive environment."
Son of Sonia and Rene Garcia
Plans to study psychology

Grant Gross-Rhode (Lynn Haven, Fla.; Bay High)

Played center-mid, center back, and striker
Season Stats: 2 G, 3 AST
Career Stats: 9 G, 10 AST
First Team All-County selection
Four-year letterwinner
Member of Florida Roots club team
"I chose Northwestern for the commitment that the school shows to faith, academics, and athletics."
Son of Jon and Lindsey Gross-Rhode
Plans to study management

Erwin Miller (Celle, Germany; Axel-Bruns-Schule Celle)

Center back
Season Stats: 2 AST
Career Stats: 38 games played, 2 G, 15 AST
Son of Anna and Feliks Miller
Plans to study sport management

Giulio Palombo (Sao Paulo, Brazil; Southwestern Illinois College)

Defensive midfielder
Season Stats: 4 AST
Career Stats: 3 G, 5 AST
Academic Honor roll member
"I chose Northwestern because of the soccer team, the engineering program, and the athletic facilities."
Son of Rodrigo and Nubia
Plans to study electrical engineering

Jack Sadusky (Jackson, Minn.; Fairmont)

Scored nine goals in his most recent season
All-Conference honorable mention
National Honor Society
Son of Mike and Natane Sadusky
Plans to study business

Women's Soccer
Avril Baccam (Little Elm, Texas; Homeschool/Dordt University/Oklahoma Baptist University)

Transferring from Oklahoma Baptist University; All-GAC Honorable Mention
Previously played at Dordt where she was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection
Season Stats: 1 G, 4 AST
Career Stats: 41 goals, 15 assists
CSC Academic All-District (2022, 2023)
"I chose to attend Northwestern because it has everything I am looking for in a college. I love how Northwestern encourages me to grow in my faith and grow close to God. The people at Northwestern are amazing and people I see myself around. When I visited campus the women's soccer team made me feel like I was a part of the team already."
Daughter of Syla and Tanya Baccam
Plans to study elementary education

Constance Laursen (Sheldon, Iowa; Sheldon)

Honors student
"My math teacher, [NWC football alum] Levi Letsche, told our class of his experiences at Northwestern, so when I visited, I saw for myself that it was where I wanted to be for the next four years of my life."
Daughter of Coral Welle and Shane Laursen
Plans to study elementary education

Emma Lopez-Garcia (Newton, Iowa; Newton/Buena Vista University)

Transferring from Buena Vista (Iowa)
Appeared in two games her freshman season
Three-year varsity athlete in high school
"I chose Northwestern because they incorporate faith into every aspect on campus."
Daughter of Nicole and Sergio Lopez-Garcia
Plans to study elementary education

Volleyball
Maya Immeker (Orange City, Iowa; MOC-Floyd Valley)

Two-year varsity athlete
2023 First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District
Career Stats: 575 kills, 62 blocks, 378 digs
Season Stats: 312 kills, 41 blocks, 181 digs
"I chose Northwestern College because I have enjoyed going to their camps since I was a kid, and I felt like the campus would be a great fit for me."
Daughter of Chris and Nicole
Plans to study business

Sidney Oostra (Sioux Falls, S.D.; Sioux Falls Christian)

Multi-sport athlete in volleyball and track
2022 All-Tournament, 2023 First Team All-State, All-Conference, and All-Tournament
Career Stats: 106 service aces, 737 kills, 696 digs, 82 blocks, 2.3 pass rating
Season Stats: .305 hitting percentage, 44 blocks, 365 kills, 298 digs
"I chose Northwestern College because it provides me the opportunity to grow in my faith and also play the sport I love."
Daughter of Jon and Donelle Oostra
Plans to study nursing

Wrestling
Taye Jordan (Atlantic, Iowa; Atlantic)

Multi-sport athlete in wrestling and soccer
Season Stats: 42-9 record
Career Stats: 71-33 record
Honor roll student
State qualifier and district champion
"I chose Northwestern because of the people in the community, its excellence in academics, and the culture in the wrestling program."
Son of Thor and Brittany Jordan
Plans to study kinesiology

Zachary Mayo (Dayton, Minn.; Champlin Park)

Plans to be a member of the Red Raider wrestling and track and field teams
Season Stats: 30-14 record
Career Stats: 70 wins
"I chose Northwestern College because of the team culture as well as the community which influenced my decision heavily. When I visited, it felt like a place I belonged. My decision took some time but ultimately it was the right one for me to continue my academic and athletic careers. It will help me grow my connection with God and lead me on a successful path."
Son of Brian and Claudine
Plans to study finance

Seth Stai (Jackson, Minn.; Jackson County Central)

Will also be a member of the Red Raider football team
Honor roll student
Season Stats: 37-20 record, 31 falls
Career Stats: 91-64 record, 69 falls
2023-24 individual state qualifier, two-time team state champion, 2023 all-conference selection
"I chose Northwestern College because it will help me become the man I aspire to be."
Son of Tim and Katie Stai
Plans to study marketing

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