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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.
Hightower's Chandler Preston-Caver
ALL ABOUT THE SISTERHOOD: Bonds have led Preston-Caver to State Finalist Hightower and beyond
Preston-Caver played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ historic run to the UIL 6A-DII State Championship. It was the program’s first trip to the State Tournament since 2019 and the first time since 2010 that they advanced to the Final.
“The work we put in made all the difference,” Preston-Caver said. “Coach (Jasmine) Brewer pushes us to our limits and makes us set new ones. We were tested early in the season, but we knew consistency was key if we wanted to go far. We kept pushing, and the results spoke for themselves.”
Hightower Girls Head Coach Jasmine BrewerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite their incredible run, Hightower ultimately fell to the No. 1-ranked team in Texas, Boswell, in a hard-fought 51-42 battle.
Still, Preston-Caver finished the season with an impressive list of accolades.
She was named to the UIL State All-Tournament Team, earned All-State honors with both the TABC (Texas Association of Basketball Coaches) and TGCA (Texas Girls Coaches Association), and was selected as the Co-District 21-6A Offensive Player of the Year.
Though the ending wasn’t what she had hoped for, she has no regrets about transferring to Hightower from Hardin-Jefferson during her sophomore year.
“Our program is built on sisterhood,” she said. “That’s something we preach, and you’ll see it on a lot of our graphics. We truly buy into the ‘family’ mentality, and that has helped me develop both as a player and a person in the short time I’ve been here.”
The stars of 2024-25 Hightower Girls BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That same sense of belonging ultimately led Preston-Caver to commit to Loyola University in New Orleans, marking a full-circle moment in her basketball journey.
“Loyola’s program felt the most like what I’ve experienced these past few years,” she explained. “My future coach (Kellie Kennedy) actually coached Coach Brewer when she played there. It just made sense—it felt like home, and they hold the same values I’ve come to know at Hightower.”
As one of the team’s veteran leaders and a future member of Loyola’s “Wolf Pack,” Preston-Caver embraced her role as a mentor. She made it a point to set the example for the next generation, including standout sophomore and fellow All-Tournament Team selection, Ogechi Okeke.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I had to be a vocal leader, both on and off the court,” Preston-Caver said. “I wanted to relay what I’ve learned in this program—that we have to ‘stay consistent’ and ‘push ourselves ’every day. At a certain point, we began to rise, and I could see all the growth in our game. Even though I’m graduating, I know this team is in great hands moving forward.”
With her high school career now behind her, Preston-Caver leaves a legacy of leadership, determination, and resilience—qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well as she takes the next step in her journey.