Nostdahl to play soccer at Whitworth

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint soccer standout Anders Nostdahl, one of the primary pieces of the Bulldogs’ past two state champion soccer teams, gave a verbal commitment to play next season at Whitworth University.

An excellent student, he’ll get much of his tuition paid for with academic scholarships at the private Spokane college. Both NIC and Northwest Christian also wanted him to play, but he chose the Pirates, who boast one of the strongest soccer programs in the region.

“I wanted to go far, but not too far,” said Nostdahl of his choice, adding that coaches told him he’ll vie for a starting role as a freshman. “They’re left mid is graduating, so I might be able to step in and fill that role.”

Nostdahl emerged as one of the top players in the Inland Empire League as a senior, scoring 11 goals to go with seven assists, including the game-winning goal in the state championship game.

Sandpoint head coach Randy Thoreson believes Nostdahl can play at that level, but that he’ll need to lift some weights and improve his upper body strength for the bigger, faster and more physical brand of play in the Division III Northwest Conference.

“He’s a small kid, but he has the heart of a linebacker,” said Thoreson, who called Nostdahl an extremely smart player. “He’s technically a couple steps ahead and plays fearless.”

Nostdahl plans to major in business and also study engineering at Whitworth, a school known for its academic excellence.