My name is Hallee Johnson, class of 2027, and I run track for Paxton-Buckley-Loda high school. My sophomore year I ran a current personal best of 48.24 in the 300 meter hurdles while it was only my third time racing it in my career, and a personal best of 16.67 in the 100 meter hurdles. I currently hold my high school’s record in the 300 meter hurdles. That season, I also ran my fastest 4×400 meter relay split of 1:01, and fastest 4×200 meter relay split of 27.8. During my sophomore indoor season I ran my current personal best of a 9.98 in the 60 meter hurdles and later placed 9th at indoor top-times. I also have a brief history in long jump, jumping only during my freshman season with a personal best of 15’ 4.75”. In both seasons I achieved all-conference and qualified for IHSA 1A state in 100 meter hurdles. I also achieved all-conference and qualified for state in the 300 meter hurdles my sophomore season as well, along with qualifying for state in the 4×400 meter relay both seasons. During both my freshman and sophomore season I also was playing for PBL’s softball team. My goals for this season are to start off by placing at indoor top-times for 6o meter hurdles and breaking the school record, then running in the low 16’s and breaking the school record for 100 meter hurdles, running low 47’s for 300 meter hurdles and placing at IHSA 1A state, and breaking 1 minute in a 400 meter. I believe these goals are all reachable within my junior season and I look forward to surpassing them and making them even tougher for my senior season.  

Since my freshman year, I have been a very dedicated and successful multi-sport athlete. Not only do I run track but I also play volleyball, basketball, and softball for PBL and travel softball for Rantoul Rush. During my freshman and sophomore track seasons, I was also starting on my high school’s varsity softball team at the same time. Being part of these teams and building relationships with my teammates and coaches has been my favorite part of high school! Along with athletics, I also take much pride in my academics and other extra-curriculars. While juggling four sports, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and am ranked top of my class while also taking a college level AP English class and an advanced pre-calculus class. I am the vice-president of PBL student council, a member of National Honor Society, a member of FFA, and a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  

I’ve found that my experiences in volleyball, basketball, and softball has led me to be a very explosive athlete on the track, and very versatile in any event I’m placed in; while hurdles is my main event, I love having the opportunity to get as many points for my team that I can, no matter what event I’m in. With my multi-sport background, the heptathlon seems like a great option for me and I am more than willing to push myself and learn something new! I look forward to challenging myself over the rest of my high school career. I am passionate about track and field, and I am excited to continue my athletics in college alongside my academic pursuits. For more information, please email me at halleejohnson2027@gmail.com.