GAMES
RANKINGS
Fort Bend Bush Track Star Amariya Hardeman
TRUSTING THE PROCESS: FB Bush's Hardeman carrying on the family name
A key member of the 2022 state champion 4x100m Relay team, Hardeman has qualified for the UIL State Meet every year since joining the Broncos.
Most recently, she earned a bronze medal at Regionals before finishing seventh in the 200m dash at the 2024 state competition in Austin.
With her final high school meets approaching, Hardeman remains focused on enjoying the process.
“The first thing that pops into my head at every meet is to have fun,” she said. “For most of my career, I’ve always believed in ‘trusting the process,’ whether that’s through my preparation in practice or my performance on race day. At this point, whatever happens is a result of what God has in store for me, and I’ll always continue to embody that mindset.”
That mindset will carry over to the next chapter of her career, as Hardeman has signed to compete for the University of Alabama.
“The Alabama program felt like home to me,” she said. “I became really close with Coach (Blaine) Wiley, Coach (Tabarie) Henry, and even the head coach, Dan Waters. More than that, the girls on the team were so welcoming—it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Beyond athletics, Hardeman is eager to embrace new experiences in Tuscaloosa.
“What I’m most excited about is meeting new people and building connections,” she said. “Something I’ve learned is that it’s not always about the memories you make on the track as an individual—it’s about who you meet along the way. That’s why I was drawn to Alabama.”
Hardeman’s competitive drive is deeply rooted in her family.
She is the granddaughter of former NFL player Don Hardeman (Houston Oilers, Baltimore Colts) and the daughter of Cedric Hardeman, who played football at the University of Houston and now coaches at Conroe High School.
Her mother ran track at Rice University, and her older brother, Chris, played football at Oklahoma State.
“My family is my No. 1 life support,” she said. “Even if they can’t physically be at my meets, they always find a way to watch. Having people who have been in similar situations is an indescribable feeling. I’m blessed to have an outlet for advice and support as I pave my own path.”
With her high school career nearing its end, Hardeman’s impact on Fort Bend Bush’s program is undeniable. And as she prepares for the next step, she does so with the same faith, confidence, and determination that have fueled her success so far.
JOHNSON: On the Brink of a Big Decision
She dominated the league and just like that, tennis and soccer took a backseat to the hardwood.
“My brother, Nick Osborne, played for Cinco Ranch, so I was always hanging around the gym,” she said. “I had some God-given talent and I just dedicated all my time to basketball. I loved the team-aspect of the sport and wanted basketball to be my future.”
So, Johnson went to work.
“There was a gym by my house,” she said. “I stayed on these cone drills to get my handles right. I could score, I had a feel for the game at an early age and just started demolishing people. I started getting a lot of notice.”
Johnson entered Tompkins High School, where she played for two years, before transferring to Houston Christian. In her first season, she helped lead the Mustangs to a 33-0 record and an SPC Title last year. In the title game, she scored 28 points to lead the team.
“It was a great move for me,” she said. “Houston Christian grew me as a student-athlete… really the student part. I was just provided so much support in the classroom. Here, the classes are smaller and there is more one-on-one instruction from the teachers.”
As she was getting the support in the classroom, Johnson was exploding on the showcase circuit with Cy-Fair Elite.
“I can’t measure the impact that Cy-Fair Elite had on my game,” she said. “They have been a huge part of my journey. They put me on a stage and taught me how to compete. Coach Earl Allen and the team really care about you and put you on the right platform.”
She helped lead Elite to a Nike National Championship this summer, which was featured on ESPNU.
Now, Johnson has a decision to make. Signing Day is rapidly approaching, and Johnson is down to Texas Tech, Alabama, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.
“Texas Tech has been recruiting me the longest,” she said. “The campus and facilities are top-notch. When people think about Lubbock, Texas, they don’t thing much. But it’s the people who make it such a cool place.”
She is also drawn to Vanderbilt, coached by Shea Ralph – a UCONN descendent.
“Coach Ralph has been to all the places I want to go. She was a great player and won NCAA Titles. She has coached at the highest level could develop me into a high-level player.”
Texas A&M welcomes new coach Joni Taylor from Georgia, who has also made an impression on the versatile guard.
“Texas A&M has done some great things in the past and is in great hands with Coach Taylor. She’s a wonderful person and comes with high praise.”
Also in the SEC West is Alabama – coached be Kristy Curry. Her husband Kelly is her assistant.
“Everyone thinks about football when you mention Alabama,” she said. “But the basketball team is on the rise. I love the staff, which has produced several WNBA players. They have their culture down pat.”
Johnson admits that she is excited to make her college decision – to lift a heavy weight from her shoulders and get back to basketball at Houston Christian.
“I’m really looking forward to playing freely and relaxed,” she said. “I’m not chasing scholarships and have nothing to prove. It’s going to take my game to another level and I hope it results in another ring.”