By Matt Browning

Marlee Moeder of Derby High School is on the Panthers’ dance team, as well as being a swimmer.

Moeder never thought of continuing her dance career after high school until recently. Moeder also competes in dance at Kelcy’s Dance Studio.

“I started dancing when I was three years old,” Moeder said. “I definitely had a love/hate relationship with it until around 7th grade, which was when I started working towards getting my pointe shoes. However, I never really saw myself pursuing dance of any sorts after high school until my sophomore year, which was when I really started to kick it into gear.”

When it comes to swimming, Moeder is excited about the team the Panthers are going to have in the pool this season.

“I think we’re going to dominate the pool this upcoming season, as we have so many talented freshmen coming in and a lot of experienced returners,” Moeder said. “I’m really excited about that. I plan on really focusing on sprinting, so individually that mainly means the 50 free, 100 free and the 100 back.”

Next year, Moeder is going to attend the University of Kansas, where she has big plans in store.

“I plan on going to the University of Kansas with a major in metalsmithing and jewelry making and a minor in American sign language,” Moeder said. “I also plan on trying out to be a Rock Chalk dancer, which is KU’s dance team and becoming a staff member at NDA dance camp. Ideally, I would attend flight school shortly after college so I can become a flight attendant.”