2017 Bullis Girls Track & Field Team

The 2017 Bullis School Girls Track & Field Team achieved a level of excellence that will forever be remembered in the school’s history. That year, the team not only dominated locally but also made a mark nationally, claiming multiple national championships and setting records that remain unmatched.

National Champions – Indoor & Outdoor

The 2017 team made history as the first Bullis track team to capture a national championship. Indoors, the 4x400 relay team—Lauryn Harris, Leah Phillips, Masai Russell, and Shaniya Hall—ran the second-fastest time in history, claiming the 4x400 Indoor National Championship, a first-ever national title for Bullis Track.

Their dominance continued outdoors, where the team won three national relay championships:

• 4x100 Relay – Masai Russell, Leah Phillips, Shaniya Hall, Ashley Seymour

• 4x200 Relay – Masai Russell, Leah Phillips, Shaniya Hall, Alexis Postell

• 4x400 Relay – Masai Russell, Leah Phillips, Shaniya Hall, Lauryn Harris

Remarkably, the Bullis girls placed two teams in both the 4x100 and 4x200 National Championships, finishing first and fourth in the 4x100 and first and fifth in the 4x200. No other school has ever simultaneously won the 4x100 and 4x200 national titles while placing an additional team in the top five—a feat that speaks to the depth and talent of this squad.

Dominance in the ISL

The 2017 seniors also left an indelible mark in the Inter-Scholastic League (ISL), winning the ISL Title all four years of their high school careers, showcasing consistency, leadership, and competitive excellence.

Team Roster

The 2017 Bullis Girls Track & Field Team combined talent across grades, creating a cohesive unit that performed at the highest levels. 

Team Members: Gabby Johnson ’17, Malana Johnson ’17, Lindsay Lewis ’17, Alexis Postell ’17, Brionne Pyles ’17, Langley Allen ’18, Jon Glass ’18, Ayanna Johnson ’18, Arianna Richards ’18, Cierra Pyles ’18, Ashley Seymour ’18, Masai Russell ’18, Lauryn Harris ’19, Jordyn Jeffers ’19, Sierra Leonard ’19, Sarah Walbrook ’19, Nia Fredericks ’20, Shaniya Hall ’20, Skyler Hammonds ’20, Taylor Johnson ’20, Alexandrai Jones ’20, Aliyah Muhammad ’20, Leah Phillips ’20, Azariah Reid ’20.

Coaches: Joe Lee and Derrick Johnson.

Individual Notables

The team’s extraordinary success was fueled by several standout athletes:

Masai Russell ’18 – A four-year top-ranked 300m hurdler at Bullis, Masai earned the Gatorade Athlete of the Year award in 2018. She set Maryland state records in the 300m and 400m hurdles and holds the collegiate record in the 100m hurdles. In 2023, she became a First-Team All-American in the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay. She ranks #5 all-time in the 300m hurdles in the U.S.

Lauryn Harris ’19 – A critical member of the national championship relay teams, Lauryn earned a nomination for the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, recognizing her outstanding athletic, academic, and community achievements.

Ashley Seymour ’18 – She held the Maryland State Record in the 100m from 2018–2021, demonstrating exceptional speed and consistency.

A Legacy of Excellence

The 2017 Bullis Girls Track & Field Team didn’t just win races—they redefined what Bullis Track could achieve. Their national championships, state records, and team depth set a standard for future generations and embody the spirit of athletic excellence and dedication. Induction into the Bullis Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a team that made history and inspired a school.