Orange City, Iowa – Northwestern has announced the signings of 21 recruits to its 2025-26 class.

Men's Cross Country / Track & Field
Quinlan Rundquist (Brooklyn Park, MN) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's cross country and track and field teams.

A four-year athlete in cross-country and three-year athlete in track, Rundquist has received all-conference honors as well as Minnesota academic all-state honors. He is a two-time state qualifier in both cross country and track, placing third in 2024 in the 4x800m relay. Rundquist would also be a part of the team that broke his school record for the fastest 4x800 relay.

"I chose Northwestern for their amazing Christian community, awesome sports opportunities, and their amazing academics," said Rundquist. "The athletes and coaches truly love what they do, and they do it all for God's glory, which is something I want to be a part of."

He is the son of John and Celeste Rundquist and brother to Raleigh, Natty, Elsa, and Caroline. Rundquist plans to study Criminal Justice at Northwestern.

Emmett Barber (Gilbert, IA) has committed to Northwestern to join the men's cross country and track and field teams.

A four-year athlete for Gilbert High School, Barber is a three-time state cross country qualifier and two-time state track qualifier. He placed top 15 at state cross country the past two seasons as well as taking home the team championship title those years. Barber placed 8^th in the 4x800m relay and Distance Medley relay in 2024. He is a 1^st Team all-state cross country selection and three-time all-conference cross country selection.

Barber said, "I chose Northwestern because of the Christian atmosphere and the love and care I experienced from everyone on campus."

He is the son of Kevin and Summer Barber and brother to Hadley and Jace.

Domenic Jutting (Ocheyedan, IA) has signed a letter of intent to compete for the Northwestern men's track and field team.

A four-year athlete from Okoboji High School, Jutting was an all-state and all-conference selection last spring.

"I chose Northwestern because it felt like a tight-knit family environment where everyone is in full support of each other all the time!" expressed Jutting.

He is the son of Travis Perry and Kathy Jutting. Jutting plans to study Secondary Education and History while at Northwestern.

Matthew Wilterdink (Oostberg, WI) has announced his commitment to join the men's cross country and track and field teams at Northwestern.

A four-year athlete for Oostburg High School, Wilterdink was a cross country podium finisher at state and named the Sheboygan County Runner of the Year. He was also an academic all-state honoree.

"I felt Northwestern was the only Christian college where I saw a noticeable difference from non-religious colleges," expressed Wilterdink.

He is the son of Alan and Amy and brother to Lindsey and Josh. Wilterdink will pursue a degree in business and finance.

Women's Cross Country / Track and Field
Isabella Trout (Rockford, IL) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider women's cross country and track and field teams.

A four-year athlete in track and field and three-year athlete in cross country, Trout has received an all-conference honor in track and field and cross country. She is a two-time all-conference academic honoree as well as a three-time honor roll student.

"I chose Northwestern because it feels like the home I've been searching for," expressed Trout.

She is the daughter of Cherish Seidel-Trout and sister to Isaac and Joey. Trout plans to study secondary education at Northwestern.

Chloe Punt (Pella, IA) has announced her commitment to run for the Northwestern women's cross country and track and field teams.

A four-year track and field athlete and two-year cross country athlete was a state qualifier in the distance medley in 2024. Punt is a member of the Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern because of the emphasis on faith, academics, and community, explained Punt. "When I visited Northwestern and ran with the team, I knew I wanted to become a Raider."

She is the daughter of Kyle and Sheila Punt and sister to Caleb, Cameron, Clara, and Cailyn. Punt plans to study Pre-Optometry and Biology.

Men's Basketball
Ethan Lee (Kasson, MN) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's basketball team.

A four-year athlete at Kasson Mantorville, Lee averaged 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game last season while breaking his school's single season and career scoring record. He is a two-time all-conference selection as well as a two-time Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Showcase selection.

"The combination of faith, great academics, and a very good basketball program made the decision easy," explained Lee. "Northwestern was exactly what I was looking for in a college."

He is the son of Rayn and Heidi Lee and brother to Nolan and Sam.

Max Dearborn (Byron, MN) has announced his intention to join the Northwestern men's basketball team.

Dearborn is a four-year athlete for Byron High School who averaged 20 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds per game last season. He is an all-conference honoree and member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern College because I felt like it was the place that I can get closer to God," said Dearborn. "I love the coaches and their outlook along with the overall vibe at Northwestern."

He is the son of Alex and Finney Dearborn and brother of Isaac and Zoe. Dearborn plans to pursue a degree in Secondary Education at Northwestern.

Jacob Gladstone (Peoria, IL) has committed to join the Red Raider men's basketball program.

Gladstone played two years of basketball at Dunlap High School averaging 5 points, 2 assists, and a rebound per game over his career. He was also an honor roll student.

"Northwestern seems like a family and has a great community that I would love to be a part of," Gladstone stated.

He is the son of Jonathon and Michelle Gladstone and brother of Nathan and Levi. Gladstone will study Sports Management at Northwestern.

Ian Van Der Werff (Orange City, IA) has signed a letter of intent to compete for the Northwestern men's cross country and track and field teams.

A four-year cross country athlete and three-year track and field athlete, Van Der Werff is a four-time state qualifier in cross country and a two-time all-conference selection.

"I chose Northwestern because of their emphasis on faith, the community of the campus and team, and the academic standards," said Van Der Werff. "I'm looking forward to building relationships and growing my faith."

He is the son of Jeff and Kara Van Der Werff and brother to Jakob, Kate, and Elin.

Men's Soccer
Diego Athié (Zona Esmeralda, Mexico) has signed his intent to join the Red Raider men's soccer team.

A winger, attacking midfielder, and wingback for multiple club teams, Athié scored 8 goals and dished out 10 assists last season in 12 games. On his career, he has 20 goals and 25 assists. In their current season, Athié's team holds a record of 4-4-4 and is 6^th place in their league.

"I chose Northwestern College because I believe it's the best place for me to grow both as a player and as a person," explained Athié. "The soccer program aligns with my goals and I'm excited about the opportunity to make an impact on the team.

He is the son of Gustavo Adolfo Athié Govea and Mayra Obregón Velasco and brother to Natalia. Athié plans to study Exercise Science at Northwestern.

Simón Muñoz (Temuco, Chile) has committed to join the men's soccer program at Northwestern.

The versatile winger, right back, and attacking center midfielder scored 4 goals this season while earning 9 assists. Over the past two seasons, Muñoz has found the net 9 times and notched 23 assists.

"I chose Northwestern to improve my faith, give my best on the soccer team, and obtain a university degree," said Muñoz.

He is the son of Hugo and Lilian Muñoz and brother to Lilian. Muñoz intends to study International Business at Northwestern.

Ian Cerecedo (Hidalgo, TX) has announced his commitment to compete for the Northwestern men's soccer team.

The left winger scored 17 goals last season and dished out 13 assists last season as his team was district champions. Cerecedo was also a state champion, and All-Star Game invite, and year MVP.

"Northwestern stood out to me because of its commitment to academic excellence and faith focused programs," expressed Cerecedo. "I felt at home at a small college and was very impressed and drawn to the tight-knit community of the school."

He is the son of Martin Cerecedo and Bertha Ploneda and brother to Martin and Stella. Cerecedo plans to study Criminal Justice while at Northwestern.

Casen Jahn (Sioux Center, IA) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's soccer team.

The defender was a part of a defense that only allowed 10 goals last season, and he notched an assist as the team earned a 12-4 record. The defense has allowed a total of 25 goals over the last two seasons.

"Northwestern is all-around welcoming and has a great atmosphere," said Jahn. "I can really see myself fitting in and thriving spiritually, academically, and socially."

He is the son of Kyle and Lynne Jahn and brother to Braden, Ella, and Annika. Jahn will pursue a degree in Biology and Health Professions at Northwestern.

Isiah Else (Sioux Center, IA) has committed to Northwestern as a member of the men's soccer team.

As a wing, centerfielder, and striker for Sioux Center, he scored 13 goals last season on top of 4 assists, leading his team to a 12-4 record. Else has notched 28 goals and 12 assists over his career and has been named 1^st Team All-State.

He is the son of Juliana and Travis Else and brother to Ian, Sophie, and Annie. Else plans to enroll in the Business and Finance program at Northwestern.

Brandt Griebel (Sioux Falls, SD) has announced his commitment to play for the Red Raiders men's soccer team.

The midfielder was a member of the all-state team last season leading his team to a state championship where he was named defensive player of the game. Over his career, Griebel scored 13 goals with 6 assists, won 3 state titles, and was a member of the club national cup team. His team is currently 13-1 and ranked #1 in the state.

"I chose Northwestern College due to its strong Christian value as well as the rigorous academics it provides," explained Griebel. "I am also very thankful that it allows me to continue my soccer career."

He is the son of Nordell and Jennifer Griebel and brother to Gage, Tark, and Brogan. Griebel will pursue a Pre-Med education at Northwestern.

Women's Tennis
Matilde Di Martino (Maracay, Venezuela) has committed to play for the Red Raider women's tennis team.

Di Martino is currently ranked as the #1 tennis player in the state of Aragua and #9 nationally in Venezuela.

"I am very excited to join the tennis team, and I feel that I can be a good fit," said Di Martino. "I am looking forward to meet my academic and athletic goals at Northwestern."

She is the daughter of Maria Fernanda Marin and sister to Maria Carrera, Luis Carrera, and Aniello Di Martino. Di Martino plans to study Data Science at Northwestern.

Women's Soccer
Sydnie Wannarka (Brandon, SD) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider women's soccer team.

A center and outside back, Wannarka played high school and club soccer last season with a combined record of 18-11-1. She has earned multiple academic honors including academic all-state, the Presidents Education Award, and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Wannarka said, "I chose Northwestern because of the outstanding nursing program and the opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level."

She is the daughter of Todd and Sarah Wannarka and sister to Kendra. Wannarka will pursue a degree in Nursing at Northwestern.

Bailey Bynum (Catoosa, OK) has committed to play for the Northwestern women's soccer team.

The goalkeeper spent last season at Tabor College where the team went 5-8-5 and finished 9^th in the KCAC.

"I chose Northwestern because the environment and community was so welcoming!" expressed Bynum.

She is the daughter of Jamie and Kreg Bynum and sister to Avery. Bynum plans to pursue a degree in Exercise Science.

Lydia Timm (Center City, MN) has announced her commitment to play for the Red Raiders women's soccer team.

A center midfielder for Lake International Language Academy, she scored 5 goals and assisted on 6 more last season as her team finished second in the conference at 9-4-2. Timm is an all-conference honorable mention with 18 goals and 11 assists over her career.

"I chose Northwestern because of the strong Christian environment and sense of community," explained Timm. "At all of my visits I have felt so welcomed by the soccer team and I can't wait to build new relationships and grow in my faith."

She is the daughter of Craig and Jill Timm and sister to Luke and Grace.

Cristina Dávila Altez (Miraflores, Peru) has committed to play for the Northwestern women's soccer team.

The right-back is a transfer from Finger Lakes Community College who started all but one game last season for the Lakers.

She is the daughter of Pamela Altez and Angel Dávila. Dávila Altex plans to study Criminal Justice at Northwestern.