Fifteen-year-old Mary-Payton Pendergrass, or as many people know her as MP, is a sophomore this year and has lived in Ocean Isle Beach her entire life. 

“I love spending time with friends and family at the beach or on the waterway.” said Pendergrass “ I would do it everyday if I could.” 

Pendergrass has many passions but playing soccer and volleyball has to be her greatest. On May Second of this year she suffered one of an athlete's worst fears, tearing her ACL. Pendergrass is working hard on recovery and plans to be fully back by June of 2025. 

“Soccer is my favorite, I have been playing for 11 years and center-mid is my favorite position.” she said “I love controlling the center of the field and creating opportunities for me and especially my teammates to score.” 

Due to her pause in sports, she has begun looking for other passions and hobbies. Pendergass has picked up sports photography and has started an Instagram account in hopes the photos reach the right audience. 

“Taking photos is so much fun;” said Pendergrass “I’m still learning but I think it's something I can still get a lot better at and I love capturing all the moments of a game.” 

Pendergass also has a very busy school life. She loves staying involved and is the SGA secretary, as well as the VP of Marketing for DECA. She also plans to join Key Club this year. 

When Pendergrass is older she wants to go to UNC Chapel Hill for sports marketing and journalism which is why this class sparked her interest. 

“I have heard so many great things about this class.” Pendergrass said “ I have been excited for it ever since I first walked in the doors my freshman year.”