National Signing Day

On February 5, Northwest High School hosted its fourth national signing day to celebrate 27 students’ commitment to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.

The dedicated group of student-athletes from Northwest High School committed to continuing their athletic careers at the Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and junior college levels. Together they earned a total of 101 varsity letters and became the first class to complete all four years in the Northwest feeder school system. Among them, 13 of the 27 athletes were multi-sport letter winners. Academically the group maintained an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.79. Representing 14 of Northwest’s 22 sanctioned sports, these athletes have been part of teams that placed in the top eight at state a combined 23 times.

Senior Josie Jones will be continuing her soccer career at the University of Iowa next fall. Jones will be a four-year varsity letter winner. During the 2024 soccer season, she was a selection for the 3A West All-District team and the 3A All-State Team. Jones also played a pivotal role in helping the Wolves to three straight state tournament appearances. Jones will contribute her talents to an impressive Iowa team that finished the 2024 season with a record of 15-3-4 and ranked 12th in the country.

“The coaching staff I’ve known since I was like 12 so they were really welcoming, the team is really nice and the facilities are amazing,” stated Jones when asked about her commitment to Iowa.

Senior Athieno Wandera has signed to take her swimming career to the University of Northern Iowa to become a Panther next fall. Wandera is a four-time letter winner and was a part of three state championships and one runner-up finish during her high school career. Wandera was an All-American and was also a part of three state-champion relay teams. 

“I’m most excited to meet new people. I’ve been able to meet a lot of people through swimming already including my best friends,” stated Wandera.

Senior Karsten Poyser will continue his academic and bowling career at Grand Canyon University. Poyser is a four-time varsity letter winner. Currently, Poyser ranks fourth in the CIML (Central Iowa Metro League) for score per game and sixth for high-point games. Poyser has also helped lead his team to an 8-1 record and a fifth-place ranking going into conference.

“I’ve been talking to the bowling coach there for quite a while and I’ve visited there twice so it feels good to know I’m completely committed to going there now,” Poyser exclaimed.

College Commitments

Carleton College: Riley Jones – Boys Soccer

Central College: Jamal Neeway – Boys Wrestling

Des Moines Area Community College: Hannah Kenke – Golf

Drake University: Andrew Eastman – Football

Evangel University: Emma Twigg – Girls Soccer

Grand Canyon University: Jake Nelson – Bowling

Grand View University: Cameron Rourke – Baseball 

Iowa Central Community College: Drew Fitzpatrick – Baseball

Iowa Central Community College: Will Bowen – Baseball

Iowa Lakes Community College: Grady Fowels – Baseball

Iowa Western Community College: Payton Smith – Softball

Luther College: Grace Rinehart – Girls Wrestling

Luther College: Jake Nelson – Tennis

Northwest Missouri State University: Chase Jones – Baseball

Simpson College: Makenna Masters – Softball

Simpson College: Kellan Totsch – Football

South Dakota State University: Anna Sheriff – Track

University of Iowa: Josie Jones – Girls Soccer

University of Iowa: Willa Hage – Girls Swim

University of Northern Iowa: Athieno Wandera – Girls Swim

University of Northern Iowa: Jack Vinyard – Football

University of South Dakota: Avery Winter – Track

University of South Dakota: Dylan Alt – Boys Swim

Wartburg College: Lola Minnick – Golf

Wartburg College: Tanner Jackson – Baseball

Washington University: Zuri Patterson – Softball

Western Illinois University: JT Spalding – Boys Soccer