UPDATE: Marisa Pender of Esko, Minnesota, is celebrating her incredible journey through high school sports as she reflects on the euphoric moments that shaped her athletic career. Just announced, Pender credits her success to the invaluable lessons learned through competition, emphasizing the long-term benefits of high school athletics.
“I don’t know whether people realize the long-term benefits of high school sports,” Pender stated. “It’s such a valuable tool for character and leadership development.” As she looks back, Pender expresses gratitude for the support of dedicated coaches and a community that rallied around their teams.
Born the oldest of four daughters in the Shady family, Marisa moved to Esko at just six years old. Her involvement in various sports, from gymnastics to soccer, set the stage for her future in athletics. “Are you crazy?” was her mother’s initial reaction when Marisa announced her intent to join the cross-country team in seventh grade. However, it wasn’t long before she flourished in the sport, contributing to the girls’ team qualifying for the Minnesota State High School League cross-country championships for all six years of her varsity career.
Pender’s achievements include a stunning rise in state meet standings: finishing 78th as a seventh-grader, 48th in eighth grade, and 23rd as a freshman. “My goal my sophomore year was to medal,” she recalls, but she astonished herself by winning the title instead. “I was more surprised than anyone. I never felt as good as I did in that race. It was just the most euphoric moment.”
The excitement reached new heights during her senior year when Marisa and her teammates claimed the team title by a staggering 35 points over the runner-up, Annandale. Pender finished fifth individually, contributing to a legacy that included state True Team championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Marisa’s athletic prowess didn’t stop there. She was a dual-sport athlete, balancing cross country with soccer, which also saw her team make a state appearance in 2011. Throughout her high school career, she earned 18 varsity letters and was a 14-time state medalist.
Despite facing tough competition, including from Rebekah Dahlman and Braham High School, Marisa’s determination never waned. While also advancing her education through college courses during her junior year, she graduated in 2013 with nearly two years of college completed.
Pender accepted a scholarship to South Dakota State University, where she faced injuries but showcased her resilience with strong performances. Now, she thrives in CrossFit, training alongside her husband, Michael Pender, and raising their two children, Jackson and Kiara.
Recently, Marisa achieved another milestone by obtaining her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2023, reflecting her commitment to excellence both in athletics and academics.
“High school and athletics laid the foundation for who I am. They provided me with the Finnish word ‘sisu.’ It’s determination, perseverance, grit, and tenacity,” Pender emphasized.
As her story continues to inspire others, Pender’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of high school athletics on personal development and community spirit. Keep an eye out for more updates on this remarkable athlete and her contributions to sports and healthcare.
