Ali signed with the University of New Mexico Lobos to run Track & Field and Cross Country. Ali became a two-time individual state champion at St. Michael Indian School after winning the 2019 Arizona AIA Cross Country State Champi- onships in 17:49.5—with her team winning the 1A Girls Cross Country state team title as well.
In 2018, she won the Division 4 Girls state title which gave SMIS its fourth state title in Girls Cross Country while earning a triple crown. Ali earned her varsity letters in cross country, track and field, and basketball having been on the 2017 and 2018 1A Arizona Girls Basketball back to back championship team.
She was awarded the Female Senior Athlete of the Year and Valedictorian this year. She is a member of the National Hon- or Society, Student Council President and a Student Ambas- sador. Ali’s mom, Kelly Upshaw-Bia (`96) has been her coach, following the footsteps of her grandfather, Terry Thompson who helped to begin the running program.
Pictured: Ali signs with UNM with her family present, her coach Kelly Upshaw-Bia (`96), aunt Kelsey Thompson (`08), grandparents Vinnie and Terry Thompson, and her younger siblings.