Anja Jarchow, a junior at Northwestern, has grown tremendously during her time here, not only as a volleyball player, but as a student, woman, and disciple of Christ. For her, unwavering character is of utmost importance because she understands that it sets the stage for life; she is leaning on the One who guides, sustains, equips, grows, and leads her to live a life that beautifully reflects Him. Anja’s character is based on her faith in Jesus and who He is as her Savior, best friend, and mentor.
When she arrived on campus as a freshman, she was shy and quiet. Although she had been a Christian for many years, her faith was small and her relationship with Christ was unexamined. Through her coach and teammates, classmates, close friends, and professors, Anja has been challenged at UNW to know God on a very deep and personal level and grow in her relationship with Him. God has captured her heart and revealed Himself to her, transforming her from the inside out. She has blossomed into a young woman who is well-known and respected by her peers, no longer shy and quiet, but a confident presence who has come alongside many as a “big sister,” quick to listen and willing to offer insight and advice to encourage and support them.
In her own words,
“I have been a Christian for most of my life, but I didn’t understand the depth of what that truly meant until I came to Northwestern and began to pursue my faith in new and intentional ways alongside an authentic Christian community. The Lord has grown me so much in my time here—my heart has changed, my mind has changed, how I look at life has changed. I am confident and secure in myself because Jesus has transformed me through my experience at Northwestern. UNW has impacted me greatly because it has provided me with a community of people who share my desire to pursue the Lord and live fully for Him. I have been poured into here, and I am different because of Jesus and those He’s brought my way.”
Anja’s freshman year was one of tremendous growth and development. Through Bible classes, intensive writing assignments, conversations with teammates and other peers, she began to understand Jesus and His Word on a much deeper level. And that has continued throughout her time at Northwestern.
Last year, God put it on her heart to read the Bible from front to back so that she could learn more about Him as well as the promises He’s made to those who love Him. In 30 days’ time, Anja fulfilled this call, carving out several hours of each day for Him. When she finished the last chapter in Revelation, she was overwhelmed by Him—His powerful nature, immeasurable love, unwavering faithfulness, and miraculous ways. This 30-day journey through the scriptures caused Anja to fall more in love with God and know first-hand the truth of Jeremiah 29:13:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Volleyball coach, Beth Wilmeth, has been instrumental in Anja’s time here, both as a player and a disciple of Christ. Anja said it this way,
“She leads with strength, determination, genuineness, and intentionality, resulting in wins both on and off the court. Through book studies and player-led team devotionals, Coach Wilmuth challenges me to know God in deeper ways, lead with godly conviction and purpose, and is committed to helping me develop life skills that apply both on the court and in life. She challenges each of us to engage with other women volleyball players, both teammates and alumni, so that continued growth and development can be experienced. She is truly amazing and has been clearly called to this God-given platform.
Anja will be graduating in Fall 2026 with a degree in accounting. She is well equipped to amplify the gospel in the places God calls her post-graduation because she has used her time wisely at Northwestern to not only gain a great education but to develop strong leadership skills, grow in her faith, and understand, first-hand, the transforming power of Jesus. Anyone who meets Anja will know of her love for Jesus because she is quick to praise Him and share Him with others.
Tami R. Rangel
Assistant Director of Advancement Marketing
