Recruits Friday, December 19, 2025 NWC Athletic Communications

Northwestern Adds to 2026-27 Recruiting Class

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern has announced its newest additions to the 2026-27 recruiting class.

Women's Basketball
Avery DeHaan (Storm Lake, Iowa) has announced her commitment to the Northwestern women's basketball program.

DeHaan scored 860 total points over three years and tallied 149 assists and 113 steals during her time at Storm Lake High School. In her most recent season, she maintained a 36.1% success rate from the three-point line, averaged 13.5 points per game, and posted a free-throw percentage of 77.6%, contributing a total of 324 points. Her accolades include being named to the all-conference team for three years and receiving all-district honors for one year. Academically, DeHaan was recognized as an academic all-conference athlete for three years and was a National Honor Society member, making the honor roll for four consecutive years.

DeHaan expressed her enthusiasm for joining Northwestern College, stating, "I chose Northwestern College because of the family environment and great people and coaches that will help me succeed both academically and athletically!"

She plans to major in elementary education at Northwestern College, is the daughter of Jeff and Lindsay DeHaan and has two siblings, Reagan and Cooper.

Addilynn Foster (Kingsley, Iowa) is joining the Northwestern women's basketball team, bringing with her an impressive academic and athletic background.

During her career at Kingsley-Pierson High School, Foster amassed career stats of 358 points, 255 rebounds, 37 blocks, and 66 steals. In her most recent season, she contributed 130 points, 112 rebounds, 19 blocks, and 21 steals. Her efforts were recognized with several accolades, including an All-Conference Honorable Mention and Letter Winner status. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in her team, securing the Western Valley Conference Championship.

Academically, Foster has been a standout student. She achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0, was named to the "A" Honor Roll, and received the IGHSAU distinguished academic achievement award. Her academic accomplishments include being a member of the National Honor Society and earning Academic All-Conference honors.

Foster expressed her enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern College because of how welcoming everyone is and its impressive pre-physical therapy program."

She is the daughter of Nikki and Curtis Motz and has two sisters, Shaylee and Brynlee.

Men's Soccer
Joshua Mueller (Rapid City, S.D.) has officially committed to the Northwestern men's soccer program.

During his career at Stevens High School, Mueller accumulated 13 goals and 19 assists. In his most recent season, he recorded 33 shots, with 26 on goal, contributing seven goals and 14 assists. He served as a varsity captain and was recognized with several accolades, including the Team Impact Award, Enthusiasm Award, Team First Award, and he holds the title of All-Time Assist Leader at Stevens High School. Mueller earned three varsity letters during his tenure.

Academically, Mueller is an AP Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and consistently made the Honor Roll. He plans to pursue a major in biology/pre-med, drawn by Northwestern's strong science program.

He is the son of Michelle and David Mueller and has two siblings, Christian and Anna.

Owen Smallfield (Papillion, Neb.) has committed to the Northwestern men's soccer program.

Smallfield comes from Papillion-La Vista South High School, where he demonstrated impressive skills on the pitch. During his junior year, he scored 10 goals and dished five assists and contributed to his team's advancement to the state quarterfinals. In the 2025 season, he added eight goals and six assists to his sheet.

Smallfield has been recognized with several accolades, including being named the Sporting Nebraska ECNL-RL 08 Player of the Year. He was also honored as an ECNL-RL Heartland All Regional League player and received a Nebraska High School All-State Honorable Mention, along with earning a varsity letter.

Upon choosing Northwestern College, Smallfield stated, "I chose Northwestern College to continue my soccer career in a Christ-centered environment while preparing for a future career in healthcare." His academic interests include exercise science, aligning with his aspirations in healthcare.

Owen is the son of Ted and Stacy Smallfield and has two siblings, Chloe and Andrew.

Volleyball
Maci Beltman (Alton, Iowa) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern College and join the volleyball program.

Beltman previously played for MOC-Floyd Valley High School where she recorded 287 digs, 27 aces, and 77 assists, averaging 3.4 digs per set last season. Over her high school career, she accumulated 456 digs, 49 aces, and 83 assists. Beltman was recognized as a Siouxland All Conference player and is a two-year letter winner. Additionally, she has been a member of the National Honor Society and consistently appeared on the Honor Roll.

Beltman shared her thoughts on joining Northwestern, stating, "Northwestern felt like home the second I stepped foot on campus. I have gone to camps for so many years, and Northwestern is just a place that I grew up cheering for. What made me fully committed to Northwestern was the atmosphere, and the team and coaches. Everyone was so welcoming. Northwestern provided everything I needed to excel in my faith, academics, and athletics."

She plans to major in accounting and business administration at Northwestern. Maci is the daughter of Dan and Kristy Beltman and has two siblings, Kylie and Connor.

Ella Hiemstra (Pella, Iowa) has declared her intention to join the Northwestern volleyball team.

Previously a standout at Pella High School, Hiemstra brings with her impressive statistics and a record of accomplishments. During her most recent season, she recorded 323 digs, 43 aces, and 69 assists. Over her high school career, she accumulated 683 digs, 123 aces, and 90 assists. Hiemstra was named a Second Team All-Conference selection in 2025 and was recognized for her academic achievements as part of the All-Academic Team in the LCH Conference from 2023-25. She also earned the IGHSAU Distinguished in Academic Achievement award in 2025.

In her decision to join Northwestern College, Hiemstra cited the welcoming and beautiful campus as key factors, along with the kindness of the students and professors she encountered. "I chose Northwestern College because the campus felt welcoming and beautiful. I loved the small-town vibes, and everyone I met, both students and professors, were genuinely kind and made me feel at home," Hiemstra expressed.

She is the daughter of Kim and Brad Hiemstra, and sister to Kyli, Vyncent, Addy, and Hudson. Hiemstra plans to study social work at Northwestern.

Faith King (Rapid City, S.D.) has committed to the Red Raider volleyball program.

During her time at Rapid City Christian High School, King accumulated over 1,000 assists and digs, along with 931 kills. Her most recent season saw her achieve 812 assists, 356 kills, 354 digs, and 82 aces.
King's accolades are numerous, including being named to the 2023 All State Tournament Team and receiving 1st Team All-State honors. She was also a finalist for South Dakota's Miss Volleyball and has been named to the All-Black Hills Conference team five times. Additionally, she was a two-time selection for the NCR All-Star team. Her academic achievements are equally notable, with four-time Academic All-State recognition, placement on the Academic High Honor Roll, and being an Excellent Christian High School Student Award recipient.

King has chosen to major in exercise science at Northwestern. Speaking about her decision to join Northwestern, she said, "I chose Northwestern because of the culture of excellence, both in academics and athletics. Everyone on campus was kind and welcoming, it really felt like a good fit for me."

She is the daughter of Cody and Julie King and sister to Elle.

Aubree Shields (Mount Ayr, Iowa) has announced her commitment to the Northwestern volleyball program.

During her most recent season at Mount Ayr High School, Shields recorded 416 kills and 258 digs. Her hitting efficiency was .350, with a total of 66 blocks, including 57 solo blocks and nine assisted blocks. Additionally, she achieved 43 aces and 269 serve successes. Over her high school career, Shields accumulated 914 kills, 619 digs, 164 total blocks, 101 solo blocks, and 80 aces.

Her academic accolades include being an Academic All-Conference honoree every year in both volleyball and track, maintaining "A" Honor Roll status throughout high school, and being a member of the National Honor Society. In athletics, Shields was named First Team All-Conference in volleyball, Third Team All-KMA Land in volleyball, and earned an All-District Selection.
Shields expressed her enthusiasm for committing to Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern because the moment I stepped on campus, I felt like I truly belonged. Their strong values deeply resonated with me. I'm excited to grow both academically and athletically through volleyball—while being able to glorify God in all that I do."

She is the daughter of Bailey and Jacob Cave and Shannon and Brennon Shields, and sister to Brayden, Brynlea, Jaxon, and Shayne. Shields plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Men's Wrestling
Bryce Pasvogel (Clovis, Calif.) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern College and join the men's wrestling team.

Pasvogel comes from Clovis North High School, where he compiled a career record of 75-35. In his most recent season, he achieved a 3-2 performance at the CIF state championships.
Discussing his decision to join Northwestern, Pasvogel stated, "I chose Northwestern College because of the amazing coaching staff, the awesome campus and facilities and most importantly the Christ-centered culture."

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Pasvogel will be engaging in academic studies, focusing on a pre-law track. He is the son of Brad and Leanne, and has two siblings, Breonna and Dalton.

Ty Strode (Greenfield, Iowa) has committed to the Northwestern men's wrestling program.

Hailing from Nodaway Valley High School, Strode brings with him an impressive wrestling record, having achieved a 39-7 record in his most recent season and an overall career record of 89-37. He is also a two-time state qualifier, having secured spots in both the 2024 and 2025 state competitions.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Strode has excelled academically. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized with Nebraska Academic All-State honors, as well as being named Iowa Academic All-State twice.

Strode expressed his enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "Northwestern is just a place that feels like home. The team culture and the school culture in general is amazing. It's super evident that God has his hand on this place."

Ty Strode is the son of Kerri and Joe Strode and has two siblings, Lillie and Cael.

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

Print Friendly Version