Recruits Friday, May 22, 2026 NWC Athletic Communications

Red Raider Athletics Announces New Recruits for 2026-27

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

Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Coby DeRaad, a talented track and field and cross country athlete, is set to join Northwestern College's men's track & field and cross country team. DeRaad, who hails from Prairie City, Iowa, and is a graduate of PCM High School, brings a strong track record in the 400, 800, and 5K events to his new team.

DeRaad's athletic accomplishments include earning eight All Conference honors, six All District recognitions, three State Qualifier appearances, and two State Medals in track. In cross country, he has achieved three all-conference honors, two All District recognitions, and qualified for the state championship twice. His personal bests include a time of 49.48 in the 400 meters, 2:00 in the 800 meters, and 17:15 in the 5K.

Academically, DeRaad has excelled as well, having been named Academic All-Conference, Academic All District, and Academic All State. He plans to major in Psychology at Northwestern.
DeRaad expressed his excitement about joining Northwestern, stating, "The welcoming community instantly drew me in. I loved how you could tell everyone are brothers and sisters in Christ and I want to join that community."

He is the son of Dustin and Carmen DeRaad and brother to Darbey.

Raleigh Rundquist, specializing in the 5K, mile, and pole vault events, is joining the Northwestern men's track and field and cross country teams. Rundquist comes from Osseo High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Rundquist has demonstrated impressive athletic capabilities, with a 5K time of 16:32, a mile time of 4:41, and a pole vault height of 12 feet. He also boasts an 800-meter time of 2:08. His leadership skills were recognized as he served as a two-time captain for both the cross country and track and field teams during the 2024-2026 seasons. Furthermore, he was named the MVP for cross country in 2025, Nordic skiing in 2026, and track and field in 2025.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Rundquist is committed to his education and faith. He has chosen to major in civil engineering at Northwestern. Rundquist expressed his reasons for selecting Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern because of the community. Not only does Northwestern strive to build better athletes and students, but it also prioritizes developing strong and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, which is truly the biggest and most important reason for me to attend Northwestern."

Raleigh is the son of John and Celeste and brother to Quinlan, Natty, Elsa, and Caroline.

Danny Sontay Vicente, specializing in the 800m and 1600m events, is joining the Northwestern College men's track and field team. Sontay Vicente comes from Limon High School in Limon, Colorado.

During his time at Limon High School, Sontay Vicente achieved notable times of 2:10 in the 800m and 5:02 in the 1600m. He also recorded a 2:07 as an individual split in the 4x800m relay, showcasing his competitive edge and capabilities on the track.

Sontay Vicente expressed his enthusiasm for joining Northwestern College, stating, "I chose Northwestern College because I love the connection to God in everything that's done here. I felt support from the community the moment I stepped foot on campus."

He is the son of Herminio Sontay and Magdalena Vicente. Sontay Vicente plans to study exercise science at Northwestern.

Men's Soccer
Jonathan Flores, a striker, has joined the Northwestern men's soccer team. Flores, previously from West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa, brings a strong track record to the team. During his junior season, he recorded 23 goals and 10 assists. His sophomore season saw him net 14 goals and provide 3 assists, while his freshman season included 9 goals and 5 assists. Flores has been recognized with several honors, including first team all-state, 2x first team all-conference, and an all-tournament team selection.

Flores is set to pursue a major in Management at Northwestern. He expressed his decision to join the team as a way to be closer to home and his coaches. Jonathan is the son of Jose Flores and Maria Topete, and has two brothers, Tranquilino and Cristian.

David Pruitt, a versatile athlete as a midfielder, winger, and outside back, is set to join the Northwestern men's soccer team. Pruitt comes from West Central Valley High School in Redfield, Iowa, where he recently recorded 1 goal and 4 assists in his latest season.

Pruitt expressed his enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "I really felt like it was a place I could see myself going and I really felt like the people I met were really nice and outgoing toward me, I also felt welcome there."

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Pruitt plans to major in Exercise Science. He is the son of Tracey and Michael Pruitt and has three siblings: William, Nyssa, and Kayla.

Conal Shields, a center back and right back from Livingston, Scotland, is joining the Northwestern men's soccer team. Shields has honed his skills and gained valuable experience with Dundee United FC, where he contributed to the team's 4th-place finish in the U19 league last season.

Prior to joining Northwestern, Shields attended James Young High School. His time with Dundee United FC has equipped him with a strong foundation in competitive soccer, making him a valuable addition to the Northwestern roster.

Shields expressed his enthusiasm for joining Northwestern College, stating, "I am drawn to Northwestern College because it integrates sport and education within a supportive environment. This gives me the platform to perform both in the classroom and also athletically, offering exceptional facilities, coaching, and academic programs."

While at Northwestern, Shields plans to pursue a major in Exercise Science. He is the son of Elizabeth and Gerard and has two brothers, Michael and Jonathan.

Men's Wrestling
Braxton Carr, a wrestler in the 160-pound category, has officially joined the Northwestern men's wrestling team. Carr comes from Laurel High School in New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he accumulated a notable 93-46 career record, including a 35-17 record last season.

Carr is a PIAA state qualifier and a three-time regional qualifier, highlighting his competitive achievements in high school wrestling. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Carr is a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting his academic dedication.

Addressing his decision to join Northwestern, Carr stated, "I chose Northwestern for the atmosphere, faith, and a fresh start."

Carr plans to study mechanical engineering at Northwestern. He is the son of Kolby and Sammantha and brother to Klayton.

Layton Dunlavy, a competitor in the 165/174-pound weight classes, has officially joined the Northwestern men's wrestling team. Dunlavy comes from Estherville-Lincoln Central High School in Estherville, Iowa, where he established a commendable high school wrestling record of 157-32. His athletic prowess is further highlighted by his status as a 3-time State Qualifier and a 4-time All-Lakes Conference honoree. In his most recent season, Dunlavy achieved a 44-6 record as a State Qualifier.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Dunlavy has been recognized for his academic excellence. He is a 2-time All-State Academic honoree and a 4-time All-Lakes Conference Academic awardee. As he continues his academic journey, Dunlavy plans to major in either political science or physical therapy.

Dunlavy expressed appreciation for his supportive environment, stating, "The community being so welcoming, and the family created through God's works." This sense of community and family support has been integral to his development both on and off the mat.

Layton is the son of Nate and Christina Dunlavy and has five siblings: Tatum, Rylee, Ainsley, Bennen, and Henlee.

Nazariy Homziakov has announced his commitment to the Northwestern men's wrestling team. Homziakov, hailing from Cherkasy, Ukraine, comes from Unity Christian High School. Last season, he achieved an impressive 15-9 record.

Homziakov has expressed his motivation for choosing Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern so that I could find the desire to grow, through difficulties, with my own attitude."

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Homziakov plans to major in cybersecurity at Northwestern. He is the son of Maksym and Nataliia and has seven siblings: Alina, Marina, David, Mark, Amyeliya, Yelisey, and Timofiy.

Brittin Valentine, a 165-pound wrestler, has joined the Northwestern men's wrestling team. Valentine comes to Northwestern from David City High School, where he compiled an impressive career record of 55-20, including a 7-1 record last season.

Valentine expressed his decision to join Northwestern by stating, "I chose Northwestern because the community made me feel so welcome and I could see the closeness between the students." He is expected to major in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Valentine is the son of Ernie and Laurel, and has four siblings: Morgen, Jacson, Keetyn, and Hayden.

Aidan Wells, a 141-pound wrestler, has officially joined the Northwestern men's wrestling team. Wells transfers from North Dakota State University, having previously attended Sioux Falls Jefferson High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

During his freshman year at North Dakota State University, Wells achieved an 11-11 record. In high school, he compiled an impressive record of 193-26. His high school accolades include being named First Team Metro Conference for three years and setting multiple school records, such as Most Wins in a season (52), and Best Record (52-1, 98%). Wells was also the 2025 South Dakota Class A 144lbs State Champion as a senior, placed third in the state during his junior and sophomore years, and finished seventh as a freshman.

Academically, Wells has been recognized on the Academic Honor Roll throughout high school and earned distinctions such as Academic All-State Scholar and the Presidents Outstanding Academic Excellence Award. He was also named a South Dakota Regents Scholar and is a member of the National Honor Society. Wells intends to major in mechanical engineering at Northwestern.

Wells expressed his enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "I really liked the coaches and team here. It felt like home and love the Christian culture of the college and athletics."

Wells is the son of Todd and Jessica and brother to Ariahna.

Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Maggie Bruinsma, specializing in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and long jump, has joined the Northwestern women's track & field team. Bruinsma comes from Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

During her high school career, Bruinsma recorded a personal best of 13.61 seconds in the 100m, 28.04 seconds in the 200m, and 63.58 seconds in the 400m. Her long jump achievements include a distance of 16'5". Academically, Bruinsma has been recognized as an Academic All-State honoree and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her athletic prowess extends beyond track and field, having earned all-conference honors in volleyball, basketball, and track and field.

Bruinsma expressed her thoughts on joining Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern because of the welcoming environment, I felt like this would be the place that I would be able to grow into the best version of myself."

She is the daughter of Kari and Terry Bruinsma and sister to Alaina, Kaci, and Lydia. Bruinsma plans to study marketing at Northwestern.

Payton Curtis, a discus and shot put thrower, has joined the Northwestern College women's track & field team. Curtis, a graduate of Roland-Story High School in Story City, Iowa, brings her notable achievements to Northwestern, including a discus throw of 85 feet and a shot put distance of 24 feet, 11 inches. Additionally, she has earned Academic All-State recognition, highlighting her dedication both on the field and in the classroom.

Curtis expressed her enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern because it made me feel the most at home and really incorporated my faith into sports and my education."
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Curtis plans to major in pre-occupational therapy at Northwestern. She is supported by her family, including her parents, Morgan Strohman and Jesse Curtis, and siblings Paige, Parker, Heston, and Trista.

Rachel Haverdink, a standout in the 5K and 3K events, is set to join the Northwestern women's track and field and cross country teams. Haverdink comes from MOC-Floyd Valley High School in Orange City, Iowa, where she has built an impressive resume in both academics and athletics.

During her high school career, Haverdink recorded personal bests of 21:43 in the 5K and 12:16 in the 3K. She qualified for the state cross country meet three times and earned all-conference honors twice in cross country and once in track. Academically, she is a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting her commitment to excellence beyond athletics.

Haverdink expressed her enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern because they have a really amazing nursing program, and I love that I will be surrounded by a Christian community." She plans to major in nursing, further indicating her dedication to both her educational and career goals.

Haverdink is the daughter of Marlon and Cora Haverdink and has two siblings, Emily and Andrew.

Savannah Smith, specializing in the 100m and relays, is joining the Northwestern women's track and field team. Smith arrives from West Lyon High School, where she made significant contributions to her team's success.

Hailing from Doon, Iowa, Smith achieved notable success at West Lyon, including being a 2x district champion in the 4x200 and Sprint Medley. In her most recent season, she clocked a 12.91 in the 100m and was part of the team that placed 11th in the 2A Sprint Medley Relay. As a freshman, Smith qualified for state in the 4x100, 4x200, and Sprint Medley Relay, with all events placing 18th in 2A. She is also a 3x Howard Wood Relay qualifier in the 4x100 and 4x200.

Smith has expressed her decision to join Northwestern due to the campus's supportive environment and the opportunity to excel academically. She plans to major in Exercise Science or Biology Health Professions, seeking to benefit from Northwestern's strong academic and athletic programs. "I chose Northwestern because of the great environment the campus had right away when I went on my visit. Northwestern will allow me to excel in their strong academics, competitive athletic program, and to learn and grow in my faith," said Smith.

Smith is the daughter of Justin and Tonya Smith and sister to Jorja.

Teagan Tracy, a competitor in mid-distance and distance events, has joined the Northwestern College women's track & field and cross country team. Tracy arrives from MOC Floyd Valley High School in Orange City, Iowa, where she has established herself as a promising athlete.

During her most recent season, Tracy recorded times of 2:36.14 for the 800 meters, 5:15.84 for the 1500 meters, 11:14.39 for the 3000 meters, and 20:30 for the 5k. Her career statistics also include a 400m hurdles time of 1:17.29 and a high jump of 4'8". In addition to her athletic prowess, Tracy has been recognized as an all-conference cross country athlete.

Academically, Tracy has demonstrated excellence, achieving membership in the National Honor Society and receiving Academic All-State honors. She plans to major in ecological science at Northwestern College.

Tracy expressed her enthusiasm for joining Northwestern, stating, "I chose Northwestern because I love the atmosphere of the campus and the strong sense of community."

Teagan is the daughter of Todd and Mary Tracy and sister to Tommy.

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