How Malia Dumlao Went From Roswell Sidelines To Performing Before 60,000 NFL Fans

Malia Dumlao turns childhood dream into NFL career© Instagram/ @maliadumlao

Malia Dumlao once battled nerves on the sidelines of the Wool Bowl. Now she dances in front of more than 60,000 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium as a rookie cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts. The former Roswell High dancer and Charlie's Angels member took a winding road to the NFL. It included a pause from dance, a knee surgery and one timely tip from her mom.

Malia Dumlao Colts cheerleader journey: from Roswell to the NFL

Dumlao picked up dance at a young age. She followed her older sister, who spent five years with Charlie's Angels, and she wanted to be just like her. When her own turn finally came, it felt huge. "I was just so ecstatic," Dumlao said about finally joining Charlie's Angels. "Dreaming about it as a little girl, and then finally being able to be on the team."

She spent two years on the squad and helped win state and national titles. The work behind those wins taught her a habit that still pays off. "With that team, I really learned how to do something again if it's not done right the first time, and just keep doing it until it is right," she said.

The team's sharp, strong style also shows up in her pom-pom routines today. Volleyball coaches added discipline to her toolbox, and track coaches reminded her to enjoy the grind.

Her best memories are not about scores. They center on her cousin Jac and her friends. "It was fun to just be there on the sidelines with your friends and dancing and doing something that you love," she said. She sees the same bond with her Colts teammates now.

Malia Dumlao Roswell dancer: the detour that led back to dance

The path was not a straight line. Around the start of her junior year, Dumlao shifted her focus to track and volleyball. She kept running track at the University of New Mexico, until knee surgery sidelined her in her second season.

Leaving Charlie's Angels was hard, but she has no regrets. "Walking away from the team was a really hard decision," she said of leaving Charlie's Angels. "I think if I didn't do that at the time, I would not be where I'm at today."

Then her mother spotted a post about tryouts for the Lobo dance team. Dumlao had been away from dance for four years and did not plan to return. She tried out anyway, made the team and spent her final college year back on the floor.

Her mother then floated another idea: an NFL cheer squad. Dumlao researched teams and chose to go for the Colts. It worked.

She once recalled feeling like a wreck in high school and college. "I don't remember being nervous, but I do remember being very nervous in high school and in college," Dumlao said. "I was like a nervous wreck."

Her story offers a simple lesson for young athletes. Stepping away from a dream does not always end it. Sometimes it gives the dream room to grow.