Generational talents come few and far between in contemporary times.
However, for Fort Bend Bush’s Amariya Hardeman, that’s brought to an even deeper level.
As a junior, she’s taken a starring role in the Bush track program, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
“My big take on competing at Bush is that I know I’m actually able to surpass my limits,” she said. “I’ve always been afraid that if I try to do that, then I might fail or become discouraged. But, realizing how far I can actually go while training in this program has really changed my perspective.”
Just how far has she gone, while competing with Bush?
In her freshman year alone, Hardeman was a part of the 4x100 Relay team that took gold in the 2022 State Meet.
Fast forward to this year, and she recently set a school record in the 100m dash (11.51 sec.) at the Texas Relays in March, prior to just recently placing first in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100 relay events at the District 20-6A meet.
Given the mental-aspect of the sport that she’s continually embraced in order to succeed, one has to wonder what compels her to do so.
“In terms of what motivates me, it begins with myself and knowing that the work I put in won’t go to waste,” said Hardeman. “Of course, an even bigger role is played by my family, my teammates, and my friends. They’re obviously important to me and help to keep me inspired to pursue a scholarship in track, or maybe even go pro one day.”
It’s no surprise that she sees her family as a motivator.
After all, her grandfather – Don Hardeman – was an NFL running back for the Houston Oilers and Baltimore Colts.
Additionally, her father – Cedric Hardeman – played at the University of Houston prior to becoming the current head football coach at Conroe, and her older brother, Chris, played football at Oklahoma State.
“It kind of makes me feel like I have someone to relate to when it comes to being a young athlete,” she said. “If I ever have any mental problems or I’m dealing with issues, I know I can always turn to my dad, mom, and brother. They’ve always been very supportive and have allowed me to make my own decisions, while also putting in their own advice because they want what’s best for me.”
The junior Bronco still has another left in her high school career, however, she now prepares for another run to Austin with her teammates.
But, where might we see Hardeman in the next few years?
“Obviously, I want to run track in college, but what I really want to become is a sports psychologist,” Hardeman said. “I have friends who are athletes that deal with mental health, including myself. I really want to enter that field in order to help the upcoming generation of athletes know how to navigate the athletic world, when it comes to mental blockage in their sport.”
As mentioned earlier, Hardeman has embraced the mental aspect of the sport she’s become so accomplished in.
It’s only natural that she wants to pass down that experience to others, just as her family did for her.