Recruits Friday, January 24, 2025 NWC Athletic Communications

16 Recruits Added to 2025-26 Signing Class

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has announced the signings of 16 recruits to its 2025-26 class.

Men's Golf
Carter Langle (Elk Point, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's golf program.

"I was looking for a smaller college where I could play collegiate golf, and Northwestern was the perfect fit," Langle commented. "I met with Coach Aberson in the fall along with some of the players, and they were all very welcoming and made me feel at home."
In four seasons at Elk Point – Jefferson, Langle put together a 74.4 average and has a career low of 67 (-3). He has qualified for the state tournament five times, placing as high as fifth as a junior. He is also a Dak 12 conference champion and holds the school record with his round of 67. In the classroom, Langle is an Academic All-State selection.

"Carter will be another great addition to the Raider golf family," head coach Aaron Aberson said. "He has a very repeatable swing which will help him be a consistent contributor during his four years. His strong work ethic and desire to improve will also help him acclimate quickly to the college courses and competition. I am excited to see what the next four years holds for Carter."

He is the son of Wade and Angie Langle and brother to Emily. Langle plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Men's Soccer
Edoardo Alessandrini (Rome, Italy) has announced his commitment to the Red Raider soccer program.

Transferring in from North Iowa Area Community College, Alessandrini started 12 matches in net, collecting 51 saves and a 1.50 goals against average last season. In two seasons, he posted 110 saves in 20 starts. His performance earned him First Team All-Region ICCAC honors in 2024.

"From the first day I visited campus, I felt that Northwestern would be the right place for me," Alessandrini said. "When I met the coaches and team, I knew that I wanted to become a Raider and fight to take them to the top. The facilities and academic program also affected my decision, and I can't wait to start this new experience."

He is the son of Alessandro Alessandrini and Simona Tronville and brother to Andrea. Alessandrini plans to study political science at Northwestern.

Emerson Brazones (Sioux Falls, S.D.) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern and join the Raider men's soccer program.

Playing striker, left wing and right wing for Sioux Falls Christian, Brazones scored 20 goals and dished out 11 assists in his most recent season. For his career, he has 57 goals and 38 assists to his credit. Brazones was a two-time all-state selection, earning second team and honorable mention accolades.

Brazones said that the closeness to home and faith commitment made Northwestern a good fit.

He is the son of Tanya and Steven Brazones and brother to Alexander. Brazones plans to study accounting and finance at Northwestern.

Piet Hennings (Flintbeck, Germany) has committed to the Red Raider men's soccer program.

A center back who has scored four goals and dished out five assists for his career, Hennings played for Kathe Kollwitz Schule Kiel. In their current season, his team holds a record of 5-3-3 and is the fifth seed in their league.

"I chose Northwestern because of the good calls I had with Coach Swier and the general impression that Northwestern has made on me," Hennings said.

He is the son of Eike Hennings and Markus Krupinski and brother to Pelle.

Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Dietrich Dirks (Spirit Lake, Iowa) has announced his commitment to join the Red Raider track and field and cross country teams.

A four-year athlete in track and two-year athlete in cross country, Dirks has received all-conference recognition in the 800m and distance medley, as well as in cross country. He is a 2x state medalist in the 4x800m relay and distance medley relay as well as a two-time state qualifier in cross country, where he placed 10^th in 2024. Dirks is also a member of the National Honor Society.

"Northwestern felt like home from the first moment I stepped on campus," Dirks added. "Growing in my faith while getting a high-quality education is important to me. I look forward to competing as a Raider while honoring God and receiving a high-quality education!"

He is the son of Nathan and Sarah Dirks and brother to Aaron. Dirks plans to study economics at Northwestern.

Ryley Riggert (Algona, Iowa) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern and join the Raider track and field and cross country programs.

In his most recent season at Algona High School, Riggery set a 5K PR in cross country with a time of 17:21, also receiving the team's most improved award his junior year. Riggery is also a member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern because I love the Godly atmosphere and how kind people are," Riggery commented.

He is the son of Melissa and Jason Riggert and brother to Karsyn, Dylan, and Alayna. Riggert plans to study mechanical engineering at Northwestern.

Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Madison Hoogland (Sioux Center, Iowa) has announced her commitment to Northwestern and the Red Raider track and field and volleyball programs.

A multi-sport athlete at Unity Christian High School, Hoogland is a two-time all-conference selection in track and field, also receiving 2024 all-conference honorable mention recognition in volleyball. Additionally, Hoogland has received academic honors at the all-conference and all-state level. Last season, she hit .279 in volleyball and was a state qualifier in the high jump.

"I chose Northwestern because of the welcoming community and positive environment," noted Hoogland. "The coaches and professors were honest and thorough in answering my questions and helping me feel welcome. I feel it is the place that I will thrive in all aspects of my life, and I trust that I will grow spiritually, academically, and athletically during my years at Northwestern."

She is the daughter of Kim and Junior Hoogland and sister to Martina and Peter. Hoogland plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Emma Nath (Luverne, Minn.) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern and join the track and field program.

Competing in hurdles and mid-distance races at Luverne High School, Nath holds personal bests of 50.56 in the 300m hurdles, 19.06 in the 100m hurdles, and 1:08.93 in the 400m. She was honored as a state true team champion and individual section qualifier.

"I chose Northwestern because it combines what is most important to me – faith, academics, and athletics," Nath said. "The strong Christian community it provides set this school apart in my college search."

She is the daughter of Tom and Lisa Nath and sister to Ethan.

Elin Van Der Werff (Orange City, Iowa) has announced her commitment to Northwestern and the Red Raider cross country team.

A three-time state qualifier and all-conference selection at MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Van Der Werff holds a PR of 20:10 on the course. She received Academic All-Conference and Academic All-State honors during her career as well.

"I loved the Christian atmosphere on campus, and I could really see myself fitting in when I visited," Van Der Werff commented.

She is the daughter of Jeff and Kara Van Der Werff and sister to Jakob, Kate, and Ian. Van Der Werff plans to study elementary education at Northwestern.

Volleyball
Abby Covalt (Seward, Neb.) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern and join the Raider volleyball program.

A three-time All-Central Conference honoree and All-State honorable mention, Covalt has 1,449 digs, 1,703 service receptions, 74 aces, and a 95% serve percentage for her career. She holds Seward High School's single-season digs record (475), and last season had 450 digs and 26 aces, helping her earn First Team all-conference accolades. Covalt is also a member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern because of the excellent academics, volleyball program and culture, and the welcoming community," noted Covalt.

She is the daughter of Mike and Becky Covalt and sister to Anna and Drew. Covalt plans to study elementary education at Northwestern.

Addisen Ehler (Early, Iowa) has committed to Northwestern College and the Raider volleyball team.

An all-conference honorable mention and all-district selection at East Sac County High School, Ehler totaled 768 kills and 447 digs over her career, most recently collecting 381 kills at a .271 efficiency last season. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern because it is academically and athletically well-respected," Ehler said. "While touring campus and practicing with the volleyball team, I felt the warmth of a community that focuses on love, compassion, and faith."

She is the daughter of Tim and Jalonna and sister to Donaven and Madelyn. Ehler plans to study Biology – Health Professions at Northwestern.

Madison Hoogland (Sioux Center, Iowa) has announced her commitment to Northwestern and the Red Raider track and field and volleyball programs.

A multi-sport athlete at Unity Christian High School, Hoogland is a two-time all-conference selection in track and field, also receiving 2024 all-conference honorable mention recognition in volleyball. Additionally, Hoogland has received academic honors at the all-conference and all-state level. Last season, she hit .279 in volleyball and was a state qualifier in the high jump.

"I chose Northwestern because of the welcoming community and positive environment," noted Hoogland. "The coaches and professors were honest and thorough in answering my questions and helping me feel welcome. I feel it is the place that I will thrive in all aspects of my life, and I trust that I will grow spiritually, academically, and athletically during my years at Northwestern."

She is the daughter of Kim and Junior Hoogland and sister to Martina and Peter. Hoogland plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Makenna Lilly (Woodbury, Minn.) has committed to Northwestern College and the Red Raider volleyball program.

A four-year varsity athlete at New Life Academy, Lilly is a two-time all-conference selection and was named to the Minnesota All-State team in 2024. She also made three appearances at the state tournament. In her career, Lilly totaled 1,186 kills, 61 aces, 363 digs, and 52 assists.

"I chose Northwestern because of the amazing Christian community and the outstanding volleyball program, which I am so excited to be a part of," Lilly commented. "Northwestern was a school that checked off all my boxes as a Christian school that had my major and a great volleyball program."

She is the daughter of Brett and Star Lilly and sister to Alexa and Cruz. Lilly plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Holly McNaughton (Le Mars, Iowa) has committed to Northwestern and the Red Raider volleyball program.

A multi-sport athlete at Le Mars High School, McNaughton was an all-conference selection and was a state qualifier in track and field. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. For her career, McNaughton had 608 digs, 652 aces, and 102 blocks.

"I chose to continue my academic and athletic career at Northwestern because it is a small Christian college, has a great volleyball program, and is close to home," McNaughton stated.

She is the daughter of Aaron and Carmen McNaughton and sister to Lilly and Chase. McNaughton plans to study biochemistry and criminal justice at Northwestern.

Nyah Potthoff (Gretna, Neb.) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern and join the volleyball team.

A three-year player at Gretna East High School, Potthoff has been a Second Team All-State selection, First Team All-EMC Conference honoree, and an All-Omaha First Team selection. For her career, she recorded 2,298 digs, 841 kills, 170 aces, and 140 blocks. She was also an Academic All-State member in 2023 and 2024.

"I chose Northwestern because of the academic opportunities and the ability to grow as a Christian athlete," Potthoff said. "I was drawn by the beautiful campus, the coaches, the volleyball team, and the nursing program. The atmosphere felt very welcoming, and I see myself creating new friendships while also taking new steps in my faith!"

She is the daughter of Dave and Stacie and sister to Tyler and Trey. Potthoff plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Eliza Schmidt (Bennington, Neb.) has announced her commitment to the Northwestern volleyball program.

Schmidt received all-conference honors four times and was an All-State honorable mention in 2023 and 2024 for Concordia High School, where she also received Academic All-State honors. During her senior year, Schmidt averaged 2.2 kills per set with 79 blocks and 141 kills, totaling 560 kills, 224 blocks, and a .284 hitting percentage for her career.

"I chose Northwestern because their mission aligns with my personal values of faith, hard work, and community," Schmidt commented. "I can be in a community of like-minded people both on the court and around campus who work hard in both athletics and academics. My faith is a big part of life, and I am excited to attend a school that encourages it through times of worship and Bible studies."

She is the daughter of David and Janet and sister to Isaac and Andrew. Schmidt plans to study exercise science at Northwestern.

Wrestling
Wesley Vick (Plattsmouth, Neb.) has announced his commitment to attend Northwestern and join the Raider wrestling and football teams.

Vick holds a 60-15 record on the mat for Plattsmouth High School, where he is continuing his senior season as a four-year, multisport athlete.

"Northwestern made me feel like I was at home," Vick stated. "This is a place where I know I can grow both in my academics and athletics."

He is the son of Cameron and Lynn Vick and brother to Margaret. Vick plans to study engineering at Northwestern.

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