Dendy graduated from Concord High School, where she set a state record in the 400 meters. She continued her career at George Mason University, where she set school records indoors at 300 meters (38.77), 400 meters (52.57), 500 meters (1:11.45) and outdoors 400 meters (51.45). Dendy was a semi-finalist in the 200 meters event at the 1989 World Indoor Championships, running 23.75 seconds.