Athletic Communications intern Liam Anderson sat down with Track & Field's Marie Abongwa, who recently set the new school record in the hammer throw.

You recently set a new UMBC school record in the hammer throw with a mark of 51.68 meters. What was that moment like, especially knowing you broke a record previously held by Olympian Cleopatra Borel? 

I've been chasing that record since my freshman year, so it was a surreal moment. I didn't know I had broken it until after the competition. I had a sneaky suspicion, but I just wanted to stay locked in for that moment in the hammer. When I found out afterward, I was super excited—it was just one of those moments where I knew the day had finally come. 

In addition to your hammer throw success, you've medaled in shot put multiple times this season. How do you approach training and competing across multiple throwing events? 

It's definitely challenging, but one of the biggest tools I use is visualization. I'll watch videos and mainly visualize the movements. Every training day is different, but we build on what we worked on the day before. Sometimes we train for different events multiple times in a single day, but the focus is usually on reinforcing the same core movement or idea across them all. 

What's your mindset like when you step into the circle before a big throw? Do you have any rituals or techniques to stay locked in? 

I'm always nervous when throwing, so I like to rely on habits. First, I take a deep breath and tell myself, "You can do this." Then I focus on my entry—whether it's shot, hammer, or disc. I know I'm in a good place if I can get that consistent, and it feels right. 

Looking ahead, what goals do you have for the rest of the season and beyond? 

My biggest goal is to qualify for NCAA Regionals—and hopefully NCAAs. It will be a journey, but that's my primary focus for hammer right now. For shot put, I want to keep medaling and win conferences again during the outdoor season. I want to keep pushing myself further in that event. As for discus, I just want to feel good about it and keep improving. 

You've had standout performances both indoors and outdoors this year, including winning gold in shot put at both America East Championships and setting a school record outdoors. What do you credit for your consistent improvement? 

Honestly, my coach {Davina Orieukwu}. She's always believed in me, even on days when I didn't believe in myself. There have been times when I've really doubted my abilities, and she's always reminded me that she sees my potential. My teammates also play a big role—they constantly support and push me, and that keeps me going. 

What advice would you give to young athletes, especially young women, who want to compete in track and field at the college level? 

It's going to take a lot of hard work. One of the biggest things I always tell my high school athletes is that consistency is key. You need to know where you want to be and push toward that, no matter what. Never think, "I can't do this because I'm a girl." No—you're a girl, and you can do this. This sport is for you. 

How do you unwind or spend your free time outside of track and field? 

I'm a really creative person. I love making bracelets and painting—honestly, any creative activity, I've probably done it. I also like to listen to music or hang out with friends to decompress. 

Last question—why UMBC? 

UMBC felt like home. My brother and cousins went here, so there was already a family connection. Coach Davina was the first coach to reach out to me and have genuine conversations. I felt welcomed and supported right away. Plus, UMBC's research-focused Division I school made it the perfect fit for me.