BREAKING NEWS: Former Esko High School star athlete, Marisa Pender, shared her inspiring journey in high school sports, highlighting the profound impact it had on her character and leadership skills. Pender, who thrived in Esko’s supportive athletic environment, emphasized the long-term benefits of sports for young athletes in a heartfelt statement earlier today.
Pender, who passionately stated, “I don’t know whether people realize the long-term benefits of high school sports,” attributed her success to devoted coaches and a close-knit community. “Esko is a small town with great athletic success. It’s unbelievable how many people came to our games and meets,” she noted.
Growing up in Esko, Minnesota, Marisa was immersed in various sports from a young age, including gymnastics, soccer, and basketball. As the eldest daughter in a family of four, she found her calling in cross country during her seventh grade. “Are you crazy?” her mother responded when Marisa announced her intention to join the team, but that moment marked the beginning of a remarkable athletic career.
Over her six years as a varsity runner, Pender helped lead the Esko girls’ cross country team to the Minnesota State High School League championships each year. She quickly established herself as a standout athlete, finishing 78th as a seventh-grader, 48th in eighth grade, and climbing to 23rd as a freshman. In a stunning upset, Marisa won the state title during her sophomore year, a moment she described as “the most euphoric moment” of her life.
In her senior year, the 2012 Esko team, which included her sister Erika and fellow runners Kailee Kiminski and Kallyn Knutson, dominated the state meet, winning by a remarkable 35 points over the runner-up. “We had something special with a core group of athletes and coaches who believed in us,” Pender recalled, finishing fifth individually.
The Esko girls also clinched state True Team titles in 2011, 2012, and 2013, marking a golden era for the program. Marisa’s versatility was evident, as she participated in every track and field event except discus and shot put, earning an impressive 18 varsity letters and becoming a 14-time state medalist.
Despite her athletic prowess, Marisa faced challenges, particularly in basketball, where her team consistently fell short of the state tournament due to tough competition from Rebekah Dahlman and Braham High School. Nevertheless, she excelled academically, taking college courses through the Postsecondary Education Options program and nearly completing two years of college by her graduation in 2013.
Following high school, Marisa accepted a track and field scholarship to South Dakota State University, where she encountered injuries that hampered her athletic career. However, she utilized her experiences to pivot towards CrossFit training, now alongside her husband, Michael Pender, a financial advisor. The couple has two children, Jackson and Kiara.
Marisa’s journey culminated in earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2023, a testament to her determination and resilience. Reflecting on her experiences, she stated, “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.”
As the community celebrates her achievements, Marisa Pender’s story serves as an inspiration for current and future athletes, illustrating the profound and lasting impact of high school sports. Stay tuned for more updates on Marisa’s journey and her contributions to the sports community.
