Pendleton to dance for UND
Posted on: May 27, 2022
For the past six years, dance has been an integral part of Marina Pendleton’s life.
Now that the DHS senior has tried out for and made the dance team at the University of North Dakota, that will continue to be true for the foreseeable future.
“I started in sixth grade because my friends told me to join. Then they quit but I liked it so I decided to stay,” said Pendleton. “I figured out that it was my thing, so I stuck with it. As I was going to college I realized could join the dance team up there, so I tried out and I made it, and it was really exciting.”
Pendleton’s teammates, coaches and family gathered for a recognition ceremony on Thursday, May 19, where she officially announced her intent to dance for the 18-member UND team.
“This is one of those exciting moments for Delano High School,” said Activities Administrator Ryan Tool at the beginning of the ceremony. “We like to celebrate when an athlete is able to go on and compete at the next level. Marina tried out and made it at North Dakota. It’s big moment, not only for her because it’s a great opportunity, but also for us because she’s part of our community and part of our team. So it’s great to celebrate.”
Pendleton said the tryout experience was intense.
“It was kind of nerve-wracking, going into it with a bunch of college girls who were older,” she said. “There were a bunch of incoming students and then there were older girls who were like 21. So it was nerve-wracking, but I was able to fit in really good with them.”
At the college level the dance team performs at football games and various other athletic events, as well as exhibitions such as parades. Later in the year the team will travel to Florida for the Universal Dance Association College Nationals.
“I’ve always seen that and wanted to do it, so I’m really excited to participate in UDA next year,” said Pendleton. “It’s a giant college dance competition, so it just looks really fun.”
Delano dance coach Mel Koch also spoke at the ceremony, and said Pendleton has been a model of commitment over the years.
“She showed up to every summer practice, every fall team, and all through her winter season,” Koch said. “Her priority was always dance.”
That commitment paid off, as Pendleton was a standout and a team captain this season, after which she was named all-conference and the team’s Most Valuable Dancer. She also was Delano’s Rookie of the Year as a freshman, has represented Delano at All-State, and won the team’s Best Turns Award five straight years, once for JV and four consecutive years for varsity.
“We all know how decorated a person Marina is,” said Koch, adding that Delano’s trip to state this year was a tribute to Pendleton and the rest of the senior class. “We’re very proud of you. We wish you the best and we can’t wait to see what you’re able to do in North Dakota.”
Pendleton plans to study biology at UND, with the idea of pursing a career that involves lab work.
“I chose North Dakota because I liked the environment up there and the big open campus, and I really liked the medical building,” she said.
Pendleton is the daughter of William and Chantelle Pendleton of Delano.
Post Categories: High School