Esko’s Marisa Pender Celebrates Championship Triumphs

UPDATE: Marisa Pender of Esko has shared her emotional journey through high school sports as she reflects on her championship successes. “I don’t know whether people realize the long-term benefits of high school sports,” Pender stated, highlighting the importance of character and leadership development.

Just recently, Pender emphasized the invaluable guidance from her devoted coaches and the supportive community in Esko. “It’s unbelievable how many people came to our games and meets,” she added, showcasing the small town’s dedication to athletics.

Pender, the eldest of four daughters in the Shady family, moved to Esko at just six years old. Her early involvement in various sports, including gymnastics, soccer, and basketball, paved the way for her remarkable athletic career. She expressed a desire to join the cross country team in seventh grade, a decision met with skepticism from her mother. “Are you crazy?” was her mother’s reaction.

The Esko High School tradition of success quickly became evident as Pender’s cross country team qualified for the Minnesota State High School League cross country championships every year of her six-year varsity career. Balancing soccer and cross country schedules, Pender excelled under the guidance of coaches Tim Lindquist and Jerry Zimny.

Pender’s rise in the state meet standings was impressive: finishing 78th as a seventh-grader, 48th in eighth grade, and 23rd as a freshman. By her sophomore year, her goal was to medal, but she surprised everyone 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,” she recalled.

The climax of her high school career came in her senior year when the 2012 Esko girls’ team, featuring Pender and her sister Erika, claimed the team title by 35 points over runner-up Annandale. Pender finished fifth individually, contributing to the team’s legacy, which also included state True Team championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Pender’s athletic prowess extended beyond cross country. A three-year starter on the girls’ basketball team, she faced tough competition but never made it to the state tournament. “Rebekah Dahlman and Braham High School were always standing in our way,” she lamented.

Academically, Pender excelled as well. Being home-schooled allowed her to take college classes through the Postsecondary Education Options program, nearly completing two years of college by her high school graduation in 2013. With 18 varsity letters and 14 state medals under her belt, she pursued her dream of competing in Division I sports, accepting a scholarship to South Dakota State University.

Although her college career was marred by injuries, Pender showcased resilience during her sophomore and junior years. Today, she competes in CrossFit and trains alongside her husband, Michael Pender, a financial advisor originally from Moose Lake. The couple has two children, Jackson and Kiara.

Recently, Pender earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2023, demonstrating the profound impact of her high school sports experience. “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,” she reflected.

Marisa Pender’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting influence of high school athletics, inspiring future generations of athletes in Esko and beyond.