Nia Ali Class: Sophomore Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa. High School: West Cathlolic Last College: Tennessee Height: 5-7 Event: Hurdles, Heptathlon Birthdate: 10/23/1988

THIS YEAR: Sophomore Nia Ali transferred to USC from Tennessee and was given clearance to compete this season.

2007: Won the SEC heptathlon championship as a freshman with a two-day score of 5,490, a new career best. Set a new PR in the 100m HH in the event with a time of 13.25 and ran a 24.0 in the 200m. Again ran a 13.25 100m HH to place third at the SEC Championships. Placed 9th in the high jump at 5-7 (1.70m). Qualified for the NCAA Championships in the heptathlon, but did not compete.

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended national track powerhouse West Catholic in Philadelphia, Pa. before transferring to and graduating from Pleasantville High in New Jersey...Ran track and field two seasons and played basketball and softball one season each...Ranked number one in the nation as a senior in two indoor hurdles events by Track & Field News and was sixth in the 100m HH...Her indoor best in the 60m HH was 8.36 at the 2006 Nike Indoor National Championships, which led all prep girls and was a Nike Indoors Nationals record...Had a time of 13.63 in the 100m HH...Named to the All-USA Today Girls Track & Field Team...Placed 4th at the 2006 USA Track & Field Junior National Championships in the 100m HH with a wind-aided time of 13.55...Won the 2006 NJSIAA Group II indoor championships in the 55m (7.20), 55m HH (8.32), 200m (25.19) and 400m (59.54).

PERSONAL: Nia was born on Oct. 23, 1988 in Norristown, Pa...In her spare time she plays the piano and enjoys playing basketball as well as dancing...She is an undeclared major at USC.

CAREER BESTS: 100m HH -- 13.25 Heptathlon -- 5,490