2026 Inspiring Graduate | Malia Dumlao

Malia Dumlao's college experience took an unexpected turn, leading her from the track & field all the way to the sidelines of an NFL stadium. She is living proof that nothing is out of reach - if you're willing to try.

Growing up in Roswell, New Mexico, Dumlao came to The University of New Mexico on the Presidential Scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards a student can earn.

"Being able to be one of those students, to represent the scholarship, is amazing," Dumlao said. "I got to know my donors and seeing them every year at the Presidential Dinner is such a cool feeling. Being able to thank the people who helped support my education means so much."

During her freshman year, Dumlao joined the track and field team, competing until January 2025, when a severe knee injury sidelined her for the season.

"I spent that whole season doing rehab in the weight room, just trying to get my legs stronger and really just being able to walk again," she said.

What could have been a stopping point instead became a turning point.

After her surgery, Dumlao's mom encouraged her to try out for UNM's dance team. Though she hadn't danced since the beginning of her junior year of high school, Dumlao decided to take a chance.

"At first, I was like, 'Why would I dance again? I stopped four years ago,'" she said.

Still, she showed up and made the team. As she began training again, something unexpected happened.

"It kind of came back naturally," Dumlao said. "All that muscle memory from years of dancing never went away. Even within a day, being able to do those skills again was really shocking. It made me realize all those years of hard work mattered."

As part of the dance team, Dumlao performed at football, volleyball and basketball games, along with numerous community events.

"It was really cool to experience game day in a different way," she said. "Being on the sidelines instead of in the stands gave me a whole new perspective, and I had so much fun this season."

That experience sparked an even bigger opportunity.

Encouraged once again by her mom, Dumlao decided to audition to become an NFL cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts. While researching the organization, she was especially drawn to its support of Kicking the Stigma, a mental health initiative.

"When it came to tryouts, I just thought, 'Why not?'" Dumlao said. "They're far away, but I'm going to take my shot. You never know unless you try."

Video Produced by Dani Rae Wascher. Videography and editing by Justin Otsuka.

The process began with learning choreography and submitting a video within three days. Soon after, she received news that she had advanced to the final round in Indianapolis.

"I got the email and was so excited," she said. "I texted my mom and sister right away, and then I thought, 'OK, what do we do now?'"

Within days, she was on a flight.

Dumlao spent nearly two weeks in Indianapolis completing an intense audition process that included learning various pieces of choreography, fitness testing, interviews, technique, photo shoots and daily evaluations. The final showcase brought everything together.

"On the last day, we stood in a circle while they read off numbers," she said. "If your number was called, you made the team. Mine was 23, and I just kept repeating it in my head over and over."

Then came the moment that changed everything.

"As soon as I heard my number, I just melted and started crying," Dumlao said. "It felt like all my hard work had paid off."

Moments later, the new team members changed into their uniforms and prepared for one final performance.

"When I went out for my solo, my mom was sitting right in front," Dumlao said. "I saw her jump up and heard her scream. It made me so emotional because I hadn't been able to tell her yet."

Standing on the stage, wearing the Colts horseshoe, Dumlao took it all in.

"It was surreal," she said. "Seeing my mom so proud of me - it made everything worth it."

Beyond athletics, Dumlao has built an impressive academic and professional resume. She will graduate in just three years with a bachelor of arts in organizational communication with a minor in business management.

"I've always been interested in the creative side of things," she said.

At UNM, she turned that passion into hands-on experience, working as a marketing intern with athletics, contributing to fan engagement and managing social media, including the department's TikTok presence. She also supports the spirit program and the UNM bookstore through digital content and marketing.

"All of that ties back into communications and multimedia," Dumlao said. "It's exactly what I want to be doing."

Through it all, one person has remained her constant source of motivation: her mom.

"She's been my number one supporter in everything I do," Dumlao said. "She's the one who pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to try new things."

That support has been unwavering even when it meant long drives.

"She came to every home football game," Dumlao said. "That's a three-hour commute from Roswell. I always looked forward to seeing her. She takes the time out of her life to be there for me, and that means everything."

If she could tell her mom one thing?

"I would just say I love her and that I'm so grateful for everything she's done for me," Dumlao said. "She's been my rock. I wouldn't be where I am without her."

As Dumlao reflects on her journey, one message stands out.

"The biggest answer you can get is 'no,'" she said. "Rejection is just redirection. That redirection completely changed the trajectory of my life."

It's a mindset she carries into everything.

"I'm a firm believer in not wasting opportunities," Dumlao said. "If something presents itself and you think you can do it, you should at least try."

At UNM, Dumlao found more than opportunities she found community.

"I'm leaving New Mexico with some of my best friends," she said. "People I'll have in my life forever. That's something I'm so grateful for."

After graduation, Dumlao will begin her next chapter in Indianapolis as a member of the Colts cheer team, participating in offseason events and community outreach before the upcoming NFL season.

And if her journey proves anything, it's this: Nothing is out of reach - unless you don't try.