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Fort Bend Bush's Amariya Hardeman
FAT BOY’S PIZZA Player of the Month: Hardeman adding onto legacy at Bush
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.
Cinco Ranch's Ossian Elgstrom
FAT BOY’S PIZZA Player of the Month: Elgstrom propels Cinco Ranch to historic playoff run
Given the precedent he and the team have established, and the fact that it’s his senior year, it’s not hard to see where the 6-foot-3 center-back’s motivations lie.
Cinco Ranch Soccer celebrates their Round 3 victory over NorthbrookPhoto acquired via Twitter (@CincoBSoccer)
“It being my senior year and going the farthest I’ve ever gone has made it a special journey,” he said. “For us seniors, this moment has made us want to play harder because we don’t want it to be our last game.”
As is the case with most soccer players, Elgstrom’s passion for the game stems from his childhood.
However, Cinco Ranch’s star defender carries the distinction of beginning his journey across the pond.
“I started playing when I was about three or four years old, and growing up in Sweden,” said Elgstrom. “Soccer is the main sport there, and everyone follows it. It’s comparable to the impact that football and baseball have on American culture, so it’s really all I knew growing up.”
“We moved to the US when I was seven, and it was difficult at first because I didn’t know the language. But, I was eventually able to acclimate to the new environment. I’m also really pleased to see how much soccer has grown in the US, because it’s always been a big part of my life.”
It’s that intangible love for the sport that can bring cultures together, after all. But, it also feeds into Elgstrom’s strength on the pitch.
Photo provided by Ossian Elgstrom
“I feel like my greatest asset comes from my defensive awareness,” he said. “I also like to think I have some versatility, since I’ve been scoring a lot of goals this season, despite being a center-back. I’m content to do whatever is needed to help give the team a boost.”
Elgstrom earned first-team, all-state honors and his second-consecutive District 19-6A Defender of the Year nod a year ago, and is likely to repeat that effort in 2024.
Individual accolades aside, the Cougars now prepare to face Kingwood in the Regional Semis, with the opportunity to compete in the Region II Final, and perhaps a trip to the State Tournament in Georgetown, on the line.
“We need to take it one game at a time,” Elgstrom said. “If you’re thinking beyond, you won’t be able to focus when it matters. So, all we can do is keep our sights on what we can accomplish against the opponent that’s in front of us.”
Photo provided by Ossian Elgstrom
While he may not be looking ahead just yet, Elgstrom does have a plan for when he graduates in the coming months.
“I’m actually going to be taking a gap year and going back to Sweden,” he said. “I’m going to be playing for a club team (Östers IF U19) there in order to try to get a pro contract.”
Who knows, the Cinco Ranch senior might one day be a part of the Swedish national team, just as his favorite player, and soccer legend, Zlatan Ibrahimović was.
Regardless of what happens in the near future, Elgstrom has already cemented his status as a legend within the Katy ISD program.