Boasting a fifth all-time record for the Bobcats in the shot put, Temperance England ‘29 continues to impress.

Hailing from Havertown, Pa., the 5’8” freshman phenom leads the Bobcats in weight throw and shot put. Ever since quitting lacrosse freshman year of high school, England has been all in for throws.

Despite a busy schedule, she still finds time to go on walks for her mental health, prioritizing not only her physical but emotional well-being.College sports simply require more time and effort than the high school level; heightened maturity is required in order to not conflate results with identity.

England harps on how separating results from identity “[takes] a lot of maturity…you have to learn how to get over the first [event], especially if it goes bad, then focusing on the second [event]…it gets easier with time, but it definitely is difficult.”

The Bates Track and Field freshman has starred for the Bobcats on numerous occasions, including a ninth-all-time 20-pound-weight throw (15.55 meters on Jan.7). A tremendous shot put (12.20 meters on Feb.7) placed her as the best DIII freshman woman thrower at one point in January, a category in which she is now second.

Creating a mindset that is primed for competition is at the forefront of England’s mind. “I normally try to go into practice and forget about everything else that has happened with my day,” England said.

The ability for Temperance to “keep it simple, or not be too hard on myself,” helps her get closer to a mentality that is not “affected by anything.”

England brings her focus on improvement, recently returning back from a minor injury. She acknowledges her technique is a “huge thing,” but recognizes she is not as focused in as some of her other teammates. “My work ethic [is] good, but I go on and off in periods where I’m like working 150%…then 30%,” England said. “I’d like to keep that at a smooth level instead of going up and down.”

With a season that spans October to May, England appreciates the consistent schedule, as track practice is at the same time daily, allowing her to better structure her academic load. “[It is important to recognize] free time,” she said. “You just have to realize when you have it, even if it’s sacrificing an extra hour of sleep or not being able to hang out with someone. You learn how to make time.”

An eight-month season is demanding. One way England gets through the day-to-day is by spending time daily soaking in Vitamin D. “I really enjoy going on walks, as simple as it is…30 minutes to an hour, just clear my mind [while] listening to some music,” she said. “Even if it’s like a rainy day out, like it is right now, it’s nice to just breathe some fresh air, get out of my dorm…got to do it [regardless].”

England’s emphasis on a selfless approach in a highly individualistic sport–such as track and field–exudes kindness and grit. Showing up for her teammates and rising to occasion within the constraints of an eight-month-long season, England is anything but timid in pursuit of goals.

England recognizes that college athletics requires significantly greater commitment than high school, asserting it is inevitable she must “give [her] 100%” as she “committed to a program and making [her] teammates better.” Additionally, she feels her effort is reciprocated as she feels substantial “hype up from [her] teammates”

England values her coaches’ input, “[respecting] and [valuing] your coaches’ opinions and ideals for you,” as she feels her coaches “have the best for [her] in mind.”

She also discussed how open conversations with coaches may lead to greater outcomes.

“If you have personal goals, you have to share them (with your coach),” England said. “When you’re vulnerable and open about those goals, the coaching and your personal goals just end up intertwining naturally.”

England’s next opportunity to showcase her talents at home is on April 17 and 18, as the Bobcats host the “Pine Tree Classic” Maine state meet.