After graduating from Arkansas State University that summer, Nelvis turned professional and topped the indoor world list in 2015.

[4][5] Nelvis took up track and field in sixth grade, competing first in the sprints and then also the hurdles and the long jump;[5] in addition, she played volleyball, softball and basketball.

[4] She became a leading track athlete at Northside High School, winning four events at the 2009 class AAA Tennessee state championship meet.

[6] After graduating from high school, Nelvis briefly attended Southwest Mississippi Community College, but found it did not suit her; she left almost immediately and transferred to Arkansas State University, having been recruited by its assistant track coach, fellow Memphis native Jason Brooks.

[4] Over the next three years Nelvis won Sun Belt championships in the sprints, hurdles and long jump; she was named the conference's top track and field athlete indoors and outdoors in 2012 and again in 2013.