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.
Angleton's Lily Calderon
THE PLAYMAKERS: Loading the Artillery, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we enter the thick of District-play and beyond this Spring.
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Walker Hurst -- Pearland Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Pearland remains a powerhouse in District 22-6A, boasting a solid 17-6 record (9-2 in district) as they sit comfortably in second place.
While senior shortstop and Texas A&M-commit Nico Partida has earned much of the attention, the Oilers’ success is far from a one-man show. Senior outfielder Walker Hurst has emerged as a key contributor, consistently delivering with both bat and glove.
An All-Tournament selection at last year’s State competition, Hurst continues to shine in his final season with Pearland. With a .254 batting average, 12 RBIs, 2 home runs, and 16 runs scored, he has been one of the team’s most dynamic offensive players.
His ability to deliver clutch hits and provide a steady presence in the lineup has been crucial to Pearland’s continued success.
As the Oilers pursue another deep playoff run, Hurst’s performance could be pivotal in their quest to return to the State Tournament. Pearland’s combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent like Hurst makes them a team to watch as the season progresses.
Lily Calderon -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Angleton has already established itself as one of Texas' premier softball teams, currently ranked No. 25 by MaxPreps with a 12-2 record heading into the second half of the season.
Under the leadership of Coach Cindy Rubio, the Wildcats are on track to secure their third district championship in four years—and senior first baseman/outfielder Lily Calderon has been the driving force behind their impressive run.
Calderon is putting together a standout season, hitting an impressive .429 at the plate while leading the team with 18 RBIs, 2 home runs, and 9 runs scored. Her offensive production has been vital to the Wildcats’ success, and she continues to be a key contributor in both clutch situations and everyday play.
While she remains uncommitted, Calderon’s performance on the field is certainly catching the attention of collegiate scouts. More than just her individual achievements, Calderon is determined to help Angleton overcome past playoff setbacks and make a deep postseason run this year.
With her leadership and powerful bat, Calderon is poised to help the Wildcats achieve even greater success as they chase another district title and look toward the playoffs.
Chris Lopez -- Dobie Boys Track & Field
Dobie’s Chris Lopez had an exceptional performance at the District 22-6A Track Meet throughout this past week, securing two gold medals in impressive fashion.
Lopez took first place in the 1600-meter race with a remarkable time of 4:36.53, and followed it up with another victory in the 3200-meter event, finishing with a time of 9:51.39. His dominance in both long-distance races highlights his stamina and determination as he continues to lead the charge for Dobie’s track and field team.
With these victories, Lopez is now gearing up for the Area Meet, scheduled for next Friday at Hall Stadium in Missouri City, TX.
Given his outstanding performance at the District meet, expectations are sky-high for the senior as he heads into the next stage of competition. Lopez’s focus and determination make him a strong contender for even more success as the postseason progresses.
Karsyn Carrier -- Manvel Softball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Despite navigating a tough District 22-6A, the Mavericks have remained competitive, with a solid 11-9 record and a three-way tie for fourth place alongside Dawson and Shadow Creek.
A key reason for their success this season is the stellar play of sophomore outfielder Karsyn Carrier, whose standout performance has been instrumental in keeping Manvel in playoff contention.
Carrier has been a dominant force at the plate, currently batting .439 and leading the team with 24 RBIs and 4 home runs. Her offensive production has provided a significant spark for Manvel, and she continues to be a key contributor in their pursuit of a postseason berth.
Alongside fellow standouts like Kaylah Hopkins, Skylar Frederick, Jaylie Miller, and Chloe Ramirez, Carrier has helped the Mavericks remain firmly in the playoff conversation as the season progresses.
With more contributions from this talented group, Manvel should remain in the hunt as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs by the end of April.
McKenzi Roberson -- Shadow Creek Girls Track & Field
With the departure of last year’s standout Mackenzie Collins (University of Texas) —who earned multiple medals at the UIL State Meet—Shadow Creek High School's track program has a new face.
Sophomore McKenzi Roberson has quickly established herself as a dominant force, signaling a bright future for the Lady Sharks.
Roberson made an immediate impact at the District 22-6A Meet this week, capturing gold in both the 100-meter dash (12.05 seconds) and 200-meter dash (24.33 seconds). Her victories not only showcase her individual talent but also hint at the potential for even greater achievements as the season progresses.
While Collins’ legacy looms large with her success in the 300m hurdles and relays at the state level, Roberson is already proving she has the speed and determination to carve out her own path. As a sophomore, her rise to the top is only just beginning.
With such an impressive performance early in the season, Roberson is poised to make a splash at the UIL State Meet in Austin in the coming weeks. The future is bright for Shadow Creek’s track and field program, and McKenzi Roberson is leading the way.