FAIRFAX, Va. – Senior Ashley Lewis has developed into one of the top middle distance runners in George Mason track and field history.

The Boston, Mass., native has etched her name in the Mason record books, providing top performances throughout her career. In indoor history, she ranks second in the 800m (2:06.32, 2020), third in the 1000m (2:49.48, 2019) and ninth in the 500m (1:12.77, 2019). During the 2020 indoor season, she broke the 600m school record with a time of 1:30.29 at the Patriot Games.

In outdoor history, Lewis posted the third-fastest time in the 800m (2:05.08) at the Sun Angel Classic in 2019.

A seven-time Atlantic 10 champion and three-time NCAA East Preliminary qualifier, Lewis has set a standard of excellence for the Green & Gold. 

Lewis recently sat down with GoMason.com to share her student-athlete experiences and how Mason has prepared her for the future.

1. Why did you choose to continue your education and athletic career at George Mason?
"You hear people say the phrase, 'When you know, you know.' But that was honestly the experience for me. When I visited Mason, met the team, the coaches, and got a chance to explore the campus, I just knew it was a perfect fit for me."
 
2. Is there a moment or two that you will cherish from your time at Mason?
"When I won the 800m as a freshman at our A10 conference championships, I was thrilled because it was both unexpected and a huge PR for me. Another unforgettable moment was when I was stuck sitting next to Brian Wright, our lovely trainer, for a 5-hour red-eye from Arizona."
 
3. Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
"Undoubtedly, Coach Bungard. He's been there on the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Between his struggle to show you funny memes he found at the end of practice to his dad jokes, you're always due for a good laugh with Coach B."
 
4. How did your work in the classroom and on the track prepare you for the future?
"As an engineering major, my course load can be demanding. But I have found that more than anything it has taught me to use my time more wisely and to be a critical thinker. I want to get my PhD in bioengineering after graduating from Mason. My ultimate career goal is to design medical devices that will allow for minimally invasive detection of diseases such as cancer and degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's."
 
5. During the 2020 indoor season you broke the school record in the 600m. Can you describe the feeling when you crossed the finish line?
"I was disappointed. I wanted to break 1:30.00, haha. But it was fun. At least I got my name in the books."
 
6. Your name is cemented in the Mason record books, what does that mean to you and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
"It means a lot to me because I truly love Mason and value the opportunity I have been blessed with to compete here. It makes me feel that even after I graduate, I will still be a part of the history of Mason track and field athletes."
 
7. Can you describe the feeling when your team swept the A-10 Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2019?
"I felt super proud of my teammates! Everyone works so hard day in and day out. I vividly recall the energy in the atmosphere when we received our team awards. It made me truly realize the power in a team effort. It brought the best out of so many that day."
 
8. You have qualified for the NCAA East Preliminary Round for three straight outdoor seasons. Can you talk about that experience?
"It has been an honor to represent Mason at the NCAA Preliminary Rounds. I always have a great time traveling with my team after the responsibilities of school have wrapped up at that time of year. My next goal is to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor 800m final."
 
9. Can you give us your perspective on the cancelation of the 2020 outdoor season and what it was like for a student-athlete?
"It was unbelievable for most of us - the sort of thing you joke about happening like when pigs fly. But it did happen. And pigs aren't flying. Our lives have dramatically changed. No 3:15 p.m. practice. No 'What's the workout today, Coach?'. No missing the shuttle to practice because it chose to leave early for the 100th time. And most importantly, no outdoor season. But we move on and look forward to what lies ahead. We stay connected and motivate one another to keep our goals in the forefront of our minds (and our masks and gloves on as well)."
 
10. What do you want to say to your teammates, coaches, peers and fans as you move forward in your career?
"I love my teammates and miss them dearly during this quarantine period. I know everyone is disappointed by the year being cut short. I encourage my teammates to stay safe and to stay motivated. I look forward to seeing some amazing comebacks next year!"

#MasonSeniorSalute