For Maleia Ali, the journey to Tennessee State Track & Field has been defined by growth — physical, mental, and deeply personal.

Originally from McDonough, Georgia, Ali was raised in a community filled with family, friends, and memories that continue to shape who she is today. That foundation of love and support followed her to Nashville, where she's carving out her path as both a Division I student-athlete and a mechanical engineering major — a balance that demands discipline, resilience, and belief.

Her introduction to track wasn't glamorous.

Ali didn't start running until 10th grade, and her first experience in the 800 meters was unforgettable — for all the wrong reasons.

"After my first 800, I ran straight to the bathroom to throw up," she said.

What could have been a discouraging moment instead became the start of something meaningful. Inspired by her mother — a strong athlete who constantly pushed her to be better — Ali learned early that growth often comes through discomfort.

When it came time to choose a college, Ali's decision to attend Tennessee State was rooted in both purpose and prayer. After the passing of her cousin during college, she felt drawn to the HBCU experience after hearing how much it had shaped his life.

"I constantly heard how much he grew as a person and how much he loved attending an HBCU," Ali said. "And prayer led me to TSU."

Since arriving in Nashville, Ali says the biggest change in her development has been her commitment — to the sport, to herself, and to the process. While nerves still follow her to the starting line, she's learned to run through them.

"I'm constantly nervous when I'm running," she admitted. "But I've learned how to manage that and keep going."

That growth has carried over into her confidence, especially as she's moved into her sophomore year. College life feels faster now, more demanding — but also more intentional.

"It feels closer to graduation," Ali said. "Like a time crunch to start making smart moves for my life."

Those moves extend far beyond the track. Outside of competition, Ali stays busy with engineering clubs, 3D designing and printing projects, scrapbooking, and even unwinding by playing The Sims. Her career goal is to attend graduate school and become a biomedical engineer — a dream that reflects both her technical mind and desire to make an impact.

Within the TSU Track & Field program, Ali has embraced a more communicative role, learning to speak up and advocate for herself — a lesson she credits to her freshman year experiences.

"Being comfortable speaking up and stepping away from things or people that aren't for me," she said, "that's something I've really learned."

Being part of TSU Track means more than competition to Ali. It represents legacy, accountability, and transformation.

"It means being part of something bigger," she said. "Being shaped into a great person and being pushed to my limits, forcing me to grow."

Some of her favorite moments come from the lighter side of the journey — like a cross country trip where teammates watched Coach Cheese try on a Halloween costume in Walmart, a memory that still makes her smile.

As she continues her TSU career, Ali remains focused on consistency, faith, and becoming the best version of herself — on and off the track.

If she could tell her freshman-year self one thing, it would be simple, and true to how she lives now:

"Everything works out when you put it in God's hands."

And for Maleia Ali, that belief continues to guide every step forward — one stride, one lesson, and one season at a time.