The Next Big Thing: Malia Ma

For Shanghai American School senior Malia Ma, life has always revolved around two lanes: academics and athletics. As a dedicated student and elite swimmer, Malia has spent years balancing demanding training schedules with a rigorous course load at SAS. This fall, she will begin her next chapter at Harvard University, where she will join the Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving team while pursuing her academic interests at one of the world’s leading universities.

How did your passion for swimming begin?

My interest in swimming started in this very pool. I came to SAS in Pre-K and took swimming lessons in kindergarten and first grade with my classmates. I fell in love with the sport right away. SAS gave me the opportunity to train with great coaches and teammates and to compete internationally, which played a huge role in my development as a swimmer. 

What was the recruiting process like for Harvard?

The recruiting process started in the summer before my junior year. On June 15, I opened my email and saw a message from the Harvard Swimming and Diving program. I was overjoyed but also very nervous because it was just the beginning of the process. 

Over the next few months, I connected with many college programs, but I really resonated with Coach Amanda and the team culture at Harvard. When I officially committed, I was with my mom, dad, and brother, and I was almost in tears because I felt so grateful for the opportunity. 

How has SAS prepared you to be a student-athlete at Harvard?

SAS prepared me in two main ways. Academically, I had incredible teachers who helped me explore my interests and understand what I might want to study in college. And athletically, SAS provided opportunities to travel and compete internationally. The school really supports student-athletes and helps us balance both academics and sports. 

How do you balance academics with such a demanding training schedule?

Swimming takes up a big part of my day. I train every afternoon, so time management is really important. I try to be as efficient as possible during the school day, using my free periods wisely and avoiding distractions like my phone when I need to work. That helps me stay on top of both school and training. 

What role has SAS played in supporting your athletic career?

One of the most special things about SAS is the amount of support and flexibility the school offers. I often had to travel abroad for competitions and when I returned from a major international competition my teachers and counselors helped me catch up and stay on track. They really want students to thrive in both their academics and their passions. 

Congratulations, Malia! We have no doubt you’ll be making waves at Harvard next year!