Women's Volleyball Friday, October 3, 2025 NWC Athletic Communications

Set for Success: A Journey of Family, Faith, and Volleyball

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – For Northwestern volleyball setters Nyah Potthoff and Liv Reitsma, the journey to collegiate athletics wasn't marked by early ambition or conventional paths. Instead, it was deeply rooted in faith, family, and the evolving love for a game that would ultimately bring their stories together.

Both Potthoff and Reitsma grew up in households where volleyball wasn't just a sport — it was a shared experience. For Nyah, the daughter of former Nebraska volleyball player Stacie (Maser) Potthoff, her first "court" was the family living room, where her parents introduced her to the fundamentals of the game while watching Nebraska volleyball on TV. That love only grew stronger when her parents began coaching her YMCA team in elementary school.

"My career has been impacted by my mom as we continued to support Nebraska volleyball even after she had finished playing," Potthoff said. "We shared the same interest, and I loved learning about the sport with her even though we played different positions."
Reitsma, on the other hand, took a more unexpected path. Initially fully committed to basketball, it wasn't until middle school that she gave volleyball a shot, thanks to the encouragement and enthusiasm of her family.

"My family has always been my biggest supporters," Reitsma said. "In middle school, I gave it a shot, and my whole family was super engaged in the sport. I decided to quit basketball, go full steam ahead with volleyball, and completely fell in love."

Both players credit their families as the core influence behind their athletic development. For Reitsma, her aunt, former Nebraska volleyball standout Lisa (Reitsma) Rautenberg, became a guiding light. Watching her aunt's highlight reels and having her present at games gave Reitsma both inspiration and confidence.

"She has been such a huge source of support since I began playing," she said. "Because she lives near Lincoln, it was always easy for her to come to my games."

Turning Dreams into Reality
Though their introductions to volleyball were different, both athletes found clarity in high school that collegiate volleyball was within reach. Potthoff began seriously pursuing her dream thanks to encouragement from coaches, teammates, and of course, her ever-supportive family.

Reitsma realized her potential after her freshman year and made a strategic move to a more competitive club, where she received high-level coaching and training.

That decision would prove fateful, as it was at that club where Potthoff and Reitsma first crossed paths. Now, the bond they built back then enhances their chemistry on the collegiate court.

"We played at the same club," Potthoff said. "This has helped with our connection as teammates because we were taught the same fundamentals, allowing us to easily communicate and work together."

Choosing a Home at Northwestern
For both Reitsma and Potthoff, choosing Northwestern College was about far more than athletics. The school's supportive, Christ-centered environment offered the perfect blend of competition, community, and faith.

"Northwestern College is a Christ-loving community where I get to play the game I love with girls and coaches who push us to be our best," Potthoff said.

Reitsma echoed those sentiments, saying, "Being part of a program that balances high-level competition with faith and purpose made Northwestern the perfect fit for me."

The sense of community was a big draw for both players, who quickly felt at home on a team that emphasized integrity, support, and spiritual growth just as much as athletic excellence.

Close to Home, Closer to Heart
Keeping family close remained important for both athletes. Potthoff chose a school close enough for her parents to continue cheering her on in person, a continuation of the support that began in her living room. Reitsma's decision to stay within reach of home allows her grandparents to attend nearly every home game, with her grandma even writing her a note before every match.

"I feel so blessed to have such a supportive family and to play in such an incredible community," Reitsma said.

Full Circle: From Teammates to Sisters in Sport
Now, as they don Northwestern's red and white, Potthoff and Reitsma not only share the same court, but also a profound gratitude for the people who helped them get there. From family members who introduced them to the game, to a shared club experience that laid the groundwork for their current success, both athletes carry with them a legacy of love, faith, and determination.

Their stories, each unique yet deeply intertwined, are a testament to how far belief, support, and purpose can take you. From childhood living rooms and middle school doubts to the collegiate spotlight, Nyah Potthoff and Liv Reitsma have found not just teammates, but a lifelong sisterhood built on the values that first drew them to the sport they now love.

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

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Players Mentioned

#9 Liv Reitsma: S; 5' 7"; Senior

#2 Nyah Potthoff: S; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#9 Liv Reitsma
: 5' 7"; Senior
: S

#2 Nyah Potthoff
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: S

Players Mentioned

#9 Liv Reitsma

#2 Nyah Potthoff

Players Mentioned

#9 Liv Reitsma

#2 Nyah Potthoff