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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.
FB Marshall's Coach Lloyd Banks celebrates with team following State Championship
TOUGHNESS OVER TALENT: Banks remains humble following recognition
It’s no secret that Fort Bend Marshall Track & Field is one of the top-tier programs in the state, which was evidenced by their recent UIL championship, this past Spring.
2022-23 FB Marhsall Track & Field Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With that logic, wouldn’t it make sense that the Buffs would have one of the best coaches around?
Coach Lloyd Banks was recently recognized by his peers in the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association (TTFCA) as the Class 5A Coach of the Year.
Despite getting the recognition, Banks remained modest in his response.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“At the end of the day, we all have a hand in it,” said Banks. “I truly believe that I have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation, and I have a great group of kids to work with. So, I can’t take all of the credit. I put it all in their lap, because nothing moves without them.
“I’ll say it all the time, ‘I run my mouth, and they just run.’ When we’re successful, the guy who manages it gets the love, but I know better. We all have a hand in it, when it comes to developing our kids. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with having so many successful athletes.”
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
Given how competitive the atmosphere is in the world of Texas high school T&F, how has Banks been able to maximize the potential of his athletes to a championship-caliber team?
“You’ll never be able to bank on your talent level every year because we’re in Texas -- it’s going to be difficult because everybody is talented,” he said. “The one thing I hang my hat on is that I have a tough group of kids.
“They’re resilient and dependable. When the lights come on, I know they won’t fold because we emphasize toughness over talent. I tell them having that mental 'will to win' weighs more than talent when it comes to winning a championship. They’ve bought into that, and they’ve been able to separate themselves that way.”
Of course, practicing day in and day out can weigh on a young student-athlete, which is something that Banks recognizes as a coach and an influencer.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“We keep it light -- we don’t take ourselves too seriously as far as practice goes,” Banks said. “We’ll be playing music, enjoying ourselves, laughing with each other. We have a good rapport with each other and that goes further than track.
“Coaching track is easy, but what’s important is that we develop better young men and women for the community and society. They lock in when they need to be, but I feel that joking, fun atmosphere is what helps to build relationships and make this program distinct.”
It’s no wonder that his athletes put so much faith in Banks. Expect that trend to continue as the Buffs gear up for another school year.