Recruits Friday, May 30, 2025 NWC Athletic Communications

Raiders Add to 2025-26 Recruiting Class

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has announced the signings of 23 recruits to its 2025-26 class.

Esports
James Zhorne – Waialua HS (Hawaii)
Zhorne has announced his intention to attend Northwestern and join the Smash Bros. Ultimate team.

"I chose Northwestern because of the Christian community," Zhorne said. "Having friends of the same faith is important to me."

He is the son of Diana Adams and Jake Zhorne, and brother to Brendan, Sera, Kahiau, and Rain. Zhorne plans to study electrical engineering at Northwestern.

Men's Basketball
Britton Mulder – Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls Christian

Over his four-year career, Mulder averaged 9.2 points and 2.2 assists, also shooting at a 43.9% clip from beyond the arc. He was a DakXII All-Conference selection, also receiving academic all-state accolades.

"I chose Northwestern because I liked the community and the culture of the basketball team, as well as the opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education," Mulder commented.

He is the son of Carmen and Ryan, and brother to Dawson, Gavin, and Rowan. Mulder plans to study exercise science at Northwestern.

Men's Soccer
Marek Dalton – St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael Albertville

A midfielder, winger, and striker, Dalton was a letterwinner in soccer and track and field in high school.

"I loved Northwestern because it's a Christian college," Dalton said. "I love the soccer program and the academics as well. Overall, it felt right went I visited and everyone was kind, genuine, and welcoming."

He is the son of Doug and Emily Dalton, and brother to Miles, Mathias, and Maya. Dalton plans to study finance at Northwestern.

Tom Goe – Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln

Goe, an all-conference player on the back line, notched one goal, one assist, and assisted in four shutouts this season, also putting up a goal and two assists in the 2023-24 season.

He is the son of Lucy and Daniel Goe, and brother to Daniel, Rhemedii, Tina, Benita, Babygirl, Patience, and Martha. Goe plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Jake Berggren – Roland Story HS (Iowa) (T&F)

Berggren was a six-time state qualifier in track, most recently qualifying in the shuttle hurdle and 110m highs. He is a three-time state qualifier in shuttle hurdle and has also run the 4x100m relay and sprint medley on the Blue Oval. A member of the National Honor Society, Berggren was a two-time academic letter winner.

"I chose Northwestern because of its high standards in academics and athletics and its Christ-centered community," said Berggren.

He is the son of Darrin and Jess, and brother to Emily, Kate, Maddie, and Paige. Berggren plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Collin Bliven – Sergeant Bluff, Iowa/Sergeant Bluff-Luton (T&F)

A state qualifier in the sprint medley and 4x400m relay, Bliven posted 200 splits of 21.7 and 400 splits of 49.8. His 110H mark was 16.53 and he ran a 44.96 400H.

"Northwestern offers me a place where I feel confident to carry out my academic and athletic career," Bliven commented. "They have offered me nothing but the most support and aid during my college search."

He is the son of Mark and Christina Bliven, and brother to Colter.

Ashton Hood – Luverne, Minn./Luverne

An all-conference performer in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400m relays, Hood posted individual marks of 11.72 in the 100m, 23.9 in the 200m, and 55.35 in the 400m.

"I chose Northwestern because it has a small town feel to it along with having a nice campus," Hood said. "It is also a good place to surround myself with like-minded, Christ-first people."

He is the son of Brett and Tori Hood, and brother to Jerzey, Tyleigh, and Tenzin. Hood plans to study electrical engineering at Northwestern.

Maxwell Matherly – Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls Christian (T&F)
Competing in pole vault for the Chargers, Matherly placed 10^th at the state championships in 2024 and posted a 12'3" mark in the event this year. He was also named a conference champion during his high school career.

"I chose Northwestern because people that have gone to NWC are people who I wanted to be like," Matherly said.

He is the son of Brian and Denae, and brother to Mitchell, Michael, and Maverick. Matherly plans to study worship arts at Northwestern.

Brady Van Sickle – Ogden, Iowa/Ogden (XC/T&F)
A three-time state qualifier in cross country and four-time state qualifier in track, Van Sickle holds PRs of 52.6 in the 400m, 2:04 in the 800m, and 4:51 in the 1600m. In cross country, he posted a best of 17:23 in the 5K. A member of the National Honor Society, Van Sickle was an academic all-state selection and holds school records in the distance medley and 4x800m.

"Northwestern seemed like the greatest place for me to thrive academically, spiritually, and athletically," Van Sickle said.

He is the son of Matthew and Tracy Van Sickle, and brother to Payton and Carson. Van Sickle plans to study engineering at Northwestern.

Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Morgan De Groot – Orange City, Iowa/Unity Christian (T&F)
A two-sport athlete in track and volleyball, De Groot plans to compete in both sports at Northwestern. She holds PRs of 26.9 in the 200m and 60.8 in the 400m, earning all-conference honors in track.

"I chose Northwestern because it felt like a place I could call my second home," stated De Groot. "The community is so great, everyone is so kind, and the Lord is so evident which really made it stand out to me."

She is the daughter of Tony and Lisa De Groot, and sister to Aubrey and Dayton.

Kyndra Gramstad – Lester, Iowa/West Lyon (T&F)
A multi-sport athlete and academic all-state selection, Gramstad holds personal bests of 26.69 in the 200m and 59.85 in the 400m. She has been an all-conference selection in volleyball, basketball, track, and softball.

"I chose Northwestern because all my siblings have gone here, and the close-knit community makes me feel at home," Gramstad said.

She is the daughter of Kjert and Michelle, and sister to Korbyn & Amber, Jalyn, Mallory, and Kelyn. Gramstad plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Lilli Gustaf – Blue Grass, Iowa/West (T&F)
An all-conference thrower, Gustaf posted marks of 36'4" in shot put and 88' in discus. She was an academic all-conference selection, competing in both track and swim.

"I chose Northwestern because of the Christ-centered community, smaller class sizes, and the supportive community to grow as a person both in and out of the classroom," Gustaf said.

She is the daughter of Sheryl and Andrew Nezworski, and sister to Garet. Gustaf plans to study finance at Northwestern.

Mackenzie Harder – Storm Lake, Iowa/Storm Lake (T&F)
Harder earned first team all-conference honors and was a Drake Relays qualifier, posting marks of 12.14 in the 100m, 24.8 in the 200m, 59.1 in the 400m, and 19'9" in the long jump.

"I fell in love with the Northwestern and felt that it was the right school for me to build my faith and continue my academic and athletic career," Harder said.

She is the daughter of John and Mandy Harder, and sister to Jadyn, Bryson, Neveah, and Shaylyn. Harder plans to study exercise science at Northwestern.

Avery Kallies – Cottage Grove, Minn./St. Croix Lutheran Academy (T&F)
Competing in high jump, long jump, triple jump, and relays, Kallies was a state qualifier during her high school career. She also has been named to the all-conference team. This season, she posted a 15'2.5" long jump, had a 12.8 split in the 4x100m, and a 28.2 split in the 4x200m.

"I chose Northwestern because I appreciated the strong Christian community and the welcoming atmosphere," Kallies said. "I connected with the coaches, professors, and students I met. The campus size and location felt like the right fit for me. It feels like a place where I can grow both in my faith and as a student-athlete."

She is the daughter of Sara and Nate, and sister to Olivia. Kallies plans to study exercise science at Northwestern.

Mya Romero – Sioux Center, Iowa/Sioux Center (XC/T&F)
In four years of cross country and track at Sioux Center High School, Romero posted a 5K PR of 20:11, while notching 800m and 1500m times of 2:24 and 5:11, respectively. For her efforts, Romero earned all-state honors in both sports.

"I chose Northwestern because I love running and want to share that joy with the Northwestern community," Romero said.

She is the daughter of Katie and Ricardo, and sister to Isaiah and Ava. Romero plans to study marketing at Northwestern.

Haylie Tripp – Leota, Minn./Pipestone (T&F)
An all-conference high jumper, Tripp competed in both high jump and mid-distance races this season. She hit a 4'10" jump and posted times of 1:09 and 2:42 in the 400m and 800m, respectively.

"I chose Northwestern because of the track program as well as its theater department and criminal justice program," Tripp said. "It felt like this was the place God wanted me to be."

She is the daughter of Jennifer Baartman, and sister to Sienna. Tripp plans to study criminal justice and theater at Northwestern.

Mya Van Donge – Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls Christian (T&F)
Posting times of 12.63 in the 100m and 27.09 in the 200m, Van Donge earned first team all-conference honors during her high school career.

"I chose Northwestern because the community had such an impact and made me feel very invited when I came to visit," Van Donge commented. "The professors and coaches want to buy into you and help you achieve your goals in the classroom and in your sport."

She is the daughter of Ryan and Kari Van Donge, and sister to Carter and Trey.

Claire Westerkamp – Pella, Iowa/Pella Christian (T&F)
A multi-sport athlete in high school, Westerkamp was a Class 2A state champion in the 4x100m relay this season. Her relay team hit a season-best mark of 48.22 to win the state title, also winning the conference title earlier in the season.

"I chose Northwestern not just because of its wonderful nursing program, but the amazing and welcoming atmosphere around campus – it immediately felt like home," said Westerkamp. "I also really wanted to continue with Christian education, having come from a private Christian school, so Northwestern was just the right place."

She is the daughter of Brent and Christine, and sister to Corbin, Boede, and Breken. Westerkamp plans to study nursing at Northwestern.

Wrestling
Marcus Ball – Jefferson, Iowa/Greene County
Participating in football, wrestling, baseball, and soccer, Ball went 75-51 in his career on the mat. He was a state qualifier his senior year.

"I was drawn to Northwestern because of its strong Christian foundation, and Coach Dahl was a huge deciding factor for me as well," Ball said. "I knew it was a place where I could grow both in my faith and as an athlete."

He is the son of Megan Waters and Jake Ball, and brother to Ashlynn. Ball plans to study sport management at Northwestern.

Nichola Collins – Clarksville, Tenn./Rossview
A four-year athlete, Collins went 54-8 in his senior season and compiled a 172-56 overall record. He was a three-time state qualifier, a two-time regional champion, and a three-time First Team All-Area selection.

He is the son of Amy and Marty Collins, and brother to Alex and Courtney. Collins plans to study engineering at Northwestern.

Bryson Leonardt – Woodland Park, Colo./Woodland Park
Leonhardt went 78-54 in his four-year career, going 32-11 in his senior season. He was a two-time state qualifier, placing once and being named an academic all-state honorable mention.

"I loved the atmosphere and the people, and wanted to better myself as an athlete, as a student, and as a Christian," Leonhardt commented.

He is the son of Melissa and Dustin Leonhardt, and brother to Olivia. Leonhardt plans to study business at Northwestern.

Will Phillips – Fruitland, Idaho/Fruitland
Phillips went 126-51 in four years of wrestling, going 38-13 his senior year. He placed third and fourth individually at the state meet and was a part of two state championship teams.

"I chose Northwestern not just for the education, but because I can see myself growing into the man I want to be," Phillips stated.

He is the son of Kerri and Todd, and brother to Braeden, Taylor, Kennedy, and Brooklyn. Phillips plans to study accounting and psychology at Northwestern.

Landon Price – Lakota, Iowa/Graettinger-Terril
A multi-sport athlete in football and wrestling, Price posted a career record of 156-24 and was an eighth-place finisher at state wrestling. He was an all-conference selection in wrestling and an all-district athlete in football.

"I had a great experience with my visit and the coaches were all great," Price said. "I loved the campus and facilities."

He is the son of Derick and Kim Price, and brother to Olivia and Thomas. Price plans to study finance at Northwestern.

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