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Fort Bend Bush's Amariya Hardeman
FAT BOY’S PIZZA Player of the Month: Hardeman adding onto legacy at Bush
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.”
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
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.”
The stars of 2023-24 Bush Girls Track & FieldLorin Cook (VYPE)
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.
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
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.
FB Bush's Streetie Virgin
THE DOC IS IN: 411-Catching up with Bush trainer combines sports; future
Athletic trainers get overlooked inside a school’s ecosystem, but they are some of the most dedicated students who walk the halls.
Trainers hold an irreplaceable value to the athletics departments, given the dedication so many individuals put forth to ensure the health of the players.
This is something that Fort Bend Bush’s Streetie Virgin recognized after completing his first year in the training program.
As he heads into his sophomore year, VYPE spoke with Virgin to understand what it’s like behind the scenes.
Here is the 411.
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VYPE: What got you into athletic training?
VIRGIN: Honestly, I always liked sports and really enjoyed playing them. It’s always been my intention to be somewhere in the medical profession, so I put both my interests together this way. Plus, my sister did it before me, which was another reason for me to pursue a future in athletic training.
VYPE: You have a little more time left in high school, so what’s been your impression of Fort Bend Bush and the training program so far?
VIRGIN: I can say that it’s definitely different from what I’ve seen at other programs. It’s more hands-on and we have more responsibilities. I feel like we do a lot for the athletics department.
VYPE: What do you like to do outside of school?
VIRGIN: I really like to bake. It’s been a hobby of mine since I would watch those little-kid baking shows. I would have to really watch my limits because I could not do what they were doing. Every once in a while, I’ll bake some stuff and bring it to the trainers and let them try it. I realize that I still need to be aware of my limitations, but overall, it’s really fun to do.
VYPE: Interesting. What would your go-to recipe be?
VIRGIN: Probably my red velvet cookies. I make them all the time.
VYPE: What does it take to be an athletic trainer?
VIRGIN: You have to be committed, since you’re involved in so many games. Even when you’re at the games, it’s not like you’re sitting there cheering them on. You have to be prepared for when someone gets hurt. It takes a lot of dedication with all the practices, games and events we take part in. The upside is that we get to take part in the memories made on the field, so that’s what keeps me here.
VYPE: Sometimes your role can be overlooked. With that in mind, what would you say to the people that might not see the value in athletic training?
VIRGIN: I’d tell them to spend a day in our shoes. I understand why some people might not think twice about us, but at the end of the day you’ll likely need our help at some point when it really matters, if you’re an athlete.