Graduate student Alyssa Colbert (Smithfield, R.I.) isn't one to stop and smell the roses. Not only did she break her own school record this season in the discus throw on April 3, she immediately broke it again the next week on April 11 with a throw of 157'4". She has etched her name into the history books solidifying herself as one of the best throwers to represent UNH.
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Colbert said the accomplishments and new personal bests still feel as good as they did when she first set them.
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"Setting my PR now is pretty much just as gratifying as it was back when I was throwing 37 meters my freshman year," said Colbert. "That's the cool thing, it never gets old. The feeling of beating a personal best never changes because of all the hard work and energy you put in. It's all worth it. I'm sure all athletes could say the same."
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Colbert's time at UNH has landed her in the history books among former Wildcat standouts. As a graduate student at UNH, she's continued her impressive progression from year-to-year. She remembered a time in 2019 when she broke the record by just a few inches.
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Colbert after breaking her own school record on April 3
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"It's kind of strange because now it's my name up there, it's my time to hold the record," said Colbert.
Her work ethic has allowed her to stay focused even during a global pandemic that caused gyms to close nationwide. Colbert said she always found a way to keep her routine.
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"I do the same thing every week, I'm in the gym training at least four times and staying in shape."
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She was able to find a gym near her where she could workout but when she was in other cities around the country like Atlanta, she had to work hard to find any open gyms. She never thought about taking a break from training and her hard work has paid off this season with her dominance in seemingly every meet.
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Although her accomplishments stand out among Colbert's career at UNH, she said the moments spent off the field have been the true highlights.
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"Spending time with my teammates when we're not in practice and going to conference as a team. That's my favorite thing. I love seeing how all my teammates did and supporting each other in the team huddles. A lot of the practices are separated between throwers and runners so it's nice to all be together."
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Colbert gave credit to her coaches who helped her along the way, saying they were accommodating to any request.
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"They were always understanding when I asked to leave practice because I wasn't feeling up to it that day or needed a break. The coaches were understanding and allowed me to take care of myself first. It's important to remember that we're people first and athletes second. Knowing the coaches are there for me has been great."
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Her humble attitude and approach have left an impact on the program that will show in the record books for a long time.
