TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — With the high school sports calendar coming to a close on the 2024-2025 year, many senior athletes are planning for what’s to come next.
One Canyon Ridge senior, however, made that decision on Tuesday.
David Rothweiler will continue his academic and athletic career playing basketball for Emmaus University in Dubuque, Iowa.
“It’s a surreal family to play basketball at the next level,” Rothweiler told KMVT. I woke up this morning and it started to set in that my dreams were going to come true.”
From a young age, Rothweiler knew he wanted to play basketball in college. Watching North Carolina win the 2017 NCAA National Championship played a big part in his decision.
“Ever since 5th grade, I focused more on playing basketball. I remember watching UNC (University of North Carolina) win a National Championship and knew I wanted to be there,” Rothweiler said. “I wanted that to be me and decided that I was going to grow up and play college basketball from that point on.”
Rothweiler joins Emmaus, an NCAA Division II program. The school is part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II and the Midwest Christian College Conference.
The team finished 14-12 (6-5 conference) during the 2024-2025 season.
Rothweiler and the school connected across social media, where he was introduced to head coach Philip Parker. Rothweiler went on a visit and felt a connection with Parker and the program.
Playing basketball, along with what he wants to study at a Christian university, piqued his interest.
“I want to go to school to become a physical therapist, but my background in faith has been a crucial part of my life, so that’s an added bonus,” Rothweiler said.
He hopes to have his own physical therapy practice one day.
In a span of two weeks, Rothweiler signed to play college basketball, will graduate high school, and will turn 18 on Saturday (May 10).
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