ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has announced the signing of 6 recruits to its 2025-26 class.
Men's Soccer
Rodrigo Perez de la Fuente (Spain) has announced his commitment to the Red Raider soccer program.
After playing for Carl Sandburg College, Perez de la Fuente scored 21 goals and collected 11 assists last season playing CAM and Striker. CSC finished this season with an 11-3-3 record and won their conference. His performance earned him first region team and first team all-conference honors.
"I think they have a very good project, academically and also in sports. I think this is a great place to compete for every title." Perez de la Fuente said.
He is the son of Juan Ramon and Mercedes and brother to David. Perez de la Fuente plans to study business at Northwestern.
Dominic Van Hofwegen (Brookings, S.D.) has shared his intention to compete for the Red Raider soccer program next season.
A member of the Brookings Bobcats and Speak Spurs club team, Van Hofwegen brings experience playing outside back, CDM, and winger. While a member of the Speak Spurs, Van Hofwegen won a state title and finished fourth in the region. In his most recent season with the Bobcats, he tallied 2 goals and 4 assists.
When asked what made him choose Northwestern, Van Hofwegen said "their great community and Christian background."
He is the son of Mike and Kristi Van Hofwegen and brother of Emily, Shalea, and Kiley. Once on campus Van Hofwegen plans to study business.
Gorka Ilundain (Berriosuso, Navarra, Spain) has announced his commitment to the Red Raider soccer program.
Ilundain has spent time playing for his high school, Salesianos Pamplona, and club team, CD Pamplona, where he has spent time playing center and right back. Ilundain played a key role on his teams' back lines as he tallied 23 matches played and 1,215 minutes played for his high school team. Additionally, throughout high school Ilundain found the back of the net 10 times.
"Northwestern is a top college." Ilundain said, "Academically they are excellent, the classes are small, which allows for closer contact with the professors, and the graduate success rate is over 99%. What impresses me the most is the kind of treatment they offer when speaking to you."
He is the son of Mabel Inda and Iontxo Ilundain and brother to Xabi and Mikel. Ilundain is going to study mechanical engineering once he arrives on campus.
Conner Schlaht (Watertown, S.D.) has shared his intention to compete for the Red Raider soccer program next season.
Schlaht played right back, center back and CDM for Watertown high school who finished their season 13-3-1. Throughout the season, Schlaht was part of a back line that achieved eight shutouts and contributed offensively, scoring 2 goals, and tallying 3 assists.
Schlaht said, "I love the team, community, and coaches" when asked about why he chose Northwestern.
He is the son of Matthew and Rebecca Schlaht and brother to Carson. At Northwestern he plans to study business.
Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Ethan Brough (Altoona, Iowa) has announced his commitment to join the Red Raider track and field and cross country teams.
Brough just started his cross country and track career, but he is a natural at the sport. In his first season as a cross country runner for Grand View Christian he pr'd at 17:23 in the 5k. With his performance, Brough finished top ten in multiple meets, qualified for state, and was named MVP of his team.
"I chose Northwestern because of the Christian environment and the great schooling they provide." Brough mentioned, "I can clearly tell that most professors and students are focused on God which will make my relationship with God better. My brother also had a big influence on me, as he is also at Northwestern. I am blessed to be running with him for one year before he graduates.
He is the son of Brien and Dawn Brough and brother to Victoria, Braeden, Caroline, and Annalise.
Volleyball
Isabella Sysa (Garretson, S.D.) has announced her commitment to Northwestern and join the Raider volleyball program.
A three-year varsity athlete, Sysa collected 259 kills with a .274 hitting percentage and 58 blocks last season and earned all-conference honors. Sysa also holds the Garretson High School record for career hitting percentage with a .265.
When asked why she chose Northwestern Sysa said, "Orange city is close to home and I had the opportunity to join an elite volleyball program."
She is the daughter of Viktoria and Ivan Sysa and sister of Dimitriy and Max. Sysa plans to study advertising and marketing at Northwestern.
Wrestling
Angel Gasca (Rock Valley, Iowa) has announced his commitment to attend Northwestern and join the Raider wrestling team.
Gasca had a 32-12 record in his senior season but collected 105 wins during his four years as a varsity wrestler. Gasca is also a leader off the matt, being named team captain for two seasons.
Gasca knew Northwestern was the place for him, as he stated, "It honestly just felt like me" when making his decision to commit.
He is the son of Miguel Angel and Daisy Gasca and brother to Cesar, Adan, and Lucas. Gasca plans to study Business Administration at Northwestern.
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