For many athletes, the road to the professional stage is a straight line. For Malia Dumlao, the path has been anything but linear — and that’s exactly what makes her story so inspiring.
Originally from Roswell, New Mexico, Dumlao has spent most of her life pushing herself beyond comfort zones, chasing opportunities, and trusting that growth happens when you’re willing to take chances.
“Beyond everything, I’m someone who believes in growth and taking chances,” Dumlao says. “Dance has always been a way for me to express myself and push outside my comfort zone.”
Her relationship with dance started almost as early as she can remember.
“I started dancing when I was two years old,” she explains.
That early passion carried into high school where she danced for the Roswell High School Charlie’s Angels. The team found huge success, winning an NDA National Championship in Large Varsity Pom along with an NMAA State Championship. But after that moment, Dumlao surprised many by stepping away from dance entirely. Instead, she shifted her focus to other sports — competing in track and field and volleyball for the remainder of high school.
Building an Athletic Foundation
Track and field quickly became a major part of Dumlao’s identity. The sport demanded discipline, consistency, and mental toughness — qualities that would later help her thrive in performance settings. That athletic foundation led her to continue competing at the University of New Mexico, where she spent two years on the UNM track team.
Continuing her journey at UNM meant more than just athletics.
“Staying at UNM allowed me to stay close to home while also pursuing a great education,” Dumlao says. “My mom was nearby, which meant a lot.”
Academically, Dumlao was also recognized for her achievements. She earned the Presidential Scholarship, one of UNM’s most prestigious academic awards given to the highest-achieving New Mexico high school graduates.
“Staying in New Mexico but in a new city gave me the chance to build a new identity for myself,” she says. “Athletically, academically, and professionally. It also allowed me to meet some incredible people.”
Individual Drive Meets Team Energy
One of the biggest adjustments in Dumlao’s journey has been moving between two very different types of sports. Track is an individual pursuit. Dance and cheer, on the other hand, rely heavily on teamwork and synchronization.
“Track is very individual, while cheer and dance are team-based,” she explains. “I had to learn how to balance pushing myself with supporting others.”
That transition ultimately strengthened her perspective as both an athlete and teammate. “It taught me discipline, communication, and how rewarding it is to celebrate others’ accomplishments,” she says. “You can truly thrive when you have supportive teammates, and I love being that kind of teammate for others.”
Finding Her Way Back to Dance
Despite years away from dance, Dumlao never fully left that world behind.In June 2025, after a four-year break, she made the decision to audition for the Lobo Dance Team.The experience reignited something that had been missing.
“Dance has always been an integral part of my life,” she says. “Since trying out, I’ve been dancing again for about eight months.”
That return to dance would soon lead to an opportunity far bigger than she imagined.
Lessons from ABQ-Live
During her time in Albuquerque, Dumlao also spent time working behind the scenes in media as an intern with ABQ-Live. The internship exposed her to a completely different side of storytelling and creative work.
“Spending time as an ABQ-Live intern was an incredible experience,” she says. “I was given full creative freedom with video, graphics, and events, and they trusted me completely.”
The experience also helped her understand the role of media in shaping public perception. “It allowed me to dive deeper into personal branding and see how analytics change depending on what you create,” Dumlao says. Those skills, she says, have helped her in other jobs and internships she continues to pursue today.
Taking a Shot at the NFL
In January, Dumlao made a decision that would change everything. She decided to audition for the Indianapolis Colts Cheer Team.
“I truly believe anything is possible if you try,” she says. “I’m a firm believer in ‘no opportunity wasted.’ You never know what could happen unless you put yourself out there.”
The audition process was demanding.For nearly a month, Dumlao committed fully to preparation. The final stage included nearly two weeks of in-person workshops with 46 other finalists.
“It included late nights, constant dancing, fitness testing, interviews, and being away from family and friends,” she explains.
The experience also pushed her outside her comfort zone in ways she hadn’t expected.
“I even traveled to Indiana alone, somewhere I had never been before,” she says.
Despite the intense competition, Dumlao describes the environment as surprisingly supportive.
“The room was filled with love, maturity, and incredible dancers from everywhere,” she says. “Someone checked in on me every single day.”
The Moment Everything Changed
After weeks of auditions and evaluation, the moment finally arrived.
“When I got the news, I completely melted and cried,” Dumlao says. “Hearing my number called was surreal.”
Her mom was there to witness the moment.
“I ran to her and gave her the biggest hug,” she says.
The first calls went to her closest family members.
“I called my sister, my grandma, my auntie, and later my roommates,” she says. “It felt so rewarding to see all the hard work pay off.”
A Journey That Wasn’t Linear
Looking back, Dumlao believes the most powerful part of her story is how unpredictable the path has been.Her journey moved from dance to track, away from performance, and eventually back again.
“It shows that growth takes time,” she says. “It’s okay to step away from something you love because you can always find your way back.”
Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come from simply being willing to try.
“Even when things feel uncertain, it’s important to push yourself outside your comfort zone and take every opportunity in front of you.”
Representing New Mexico
As Dumlao prepares for this next chapter with the Colts organization, she knows she carries more than just her own story. She also represents Roswell, Albuquerque, and New Mexico.
For young athletes and dancers across the state, she hopes her story offers encouragement.
“No goal is ever too far away or out of reach,” she says.
Her advice is simple but powerful.
“Try everything. Push yourself. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You are your own biggest advocate.”
And if the journey feels intimidating?
“That’s okay too,” she says. “If you’re nervous, it means you care — and that means you’re ready for something amazing.”
A Moment She’ll Never Forget
Even with the NFL opportunity ahead, Dumlao still holds onto a memory from the beginning of her dance career.
“Our 2020 Nationals pom routine still lives rent-free in my head,” she says with a smile.
It was her freshman year and her first time competing at NDA Nationals.
“The ending of the dance with the song ‘It’s Tricky’ was insane,” she recalls. “That final push at the end was so exhilarating.”
Moments like that helped shape the competitor she is today.
And now, that same energy is carrying her onto one of the biggest stages in sports.
Article By ABQLive Staff
Photos Courtesy of Malia Dumlao
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