Washington U basketball player Justin Hardy dies of cancer at 22

Justin Hardy, who inspired teammates and opponents alike whilst enjoying basketball between rounds of chemotherapy previous year, died Sunday at age 22 soon after a 13-thirty day period fight with abdomen cancer.

Hardy played for Division III Washington University in St. Louis, where he finished as the team’s next-main scorer past year irrespective of his Stage 4 most cancers analysis. He was named to the University Athletic Association’s first crew and earned nationwide acclaim for his established spirit.

In April, Hardy traveled to the NCAA Ultimate 4 in New Orleans to acquire the Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award supplied by the United States Basketball Writers Affiliation.

“I never go two or 3 minutes without having thinking about the truth that this is my lifestyle and a little something that is going to adhere with me permanently,” Hardy mentioned in his acceptance speech. “But I have a whole lot to be grateful for, and I can not enable all of that negativity consume my views.

“Everything in existence will be Okay if you glance at it with optimism. I took that to heart and I imagine it’s one of the factors I was able to do all I did. In this article we are just about a yr afterwards, and I didn’t know if I was likely to be ready to attain all the things that seemed critical.”

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— Pat Juckem (@CoachJuckem) May 29, 2022

Hardy concluded a summertime internship and graduated very last December in addition to shining on the court. Followers saluted his achievements on social media with the #HardyStrong motto.

Washington College head coach Pat Juckem praised his player soon after Hardy’s family announced his demise.

“We are devastated by this decline but comforted by the way in which he lived his everyday living,” Juckem stated. “Justin’s appreciate for the match of basketball, competition and his teammates created him definitely unique.

“We had been fortunate to be brought together on his journey. He confirmed us what it suggests to be ‘others focused’ — what it implies to be a fantastic teammate. Justin taught us many lessons which include how to offer with adversity and what successful definitely means.”

Hardy’s family members has established up a “HardyStrong Scholarship” for high university graduates in Justin’s memory.

Visitation and providers are scheduled to be held Thursday and Friday.

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