Photo from @BobSHardy, on Twitter

WashU basketball player and Division III inspiration, Justin Hardy, died on Sunday, May 29, due to complications from stomach cancer. He was 22. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Karen, and his sister, Jackie.

Hardy epitomized selflessness and determination through 13 months of intense treatments following his diagnosis in April 2021. With the blessing of his physicians, Hardy returned to the court and was able to be a regular contributor for the 2021-22 Bears’ NCAA Tournament squad, sometimes showing up to games or practices the same day as chemotherapy.

After taking his Stage IV diagnosis public in December, Hardy shared his positive outlook and relentless optimism with the world. His story was highlighted on ESPN and during the NBA playoffs. Hardy received multiple awards for courage and perseverance, always responding with a now familiar refrain that beating cancer meant living the life he wanted to live.

Hardy graduated from WashU in December with a degree in business administration and continued to tutor high school students in mathematics and ACT prep through the spring. He finished the year as WashU’s second leading scorer and was named to the UAA All-Association First Team as well as the D3hoops.com All-Region squad.

WashU head coach Pat Juckem said of Hardy: “I don’t know that there’s anyone like him. I don’t know that there’s anyone who could do what he’s doing.” A sentiment echoed by doctors confounded that Hardy could withstand the toll cancer and treatment had on his body while still being able to play basketball at such a high level.

Even when his body broke down, towards the end of the season, Hardy’s presence was felt. Juckem said: “He always thought of others first. We do a team spotlight at the end of practice, where we pick a player and everybody has to say something they appreciate about that team member. The day we did Justin, what I heard amazed me. One young man who had a knee injury and needed surgery said he’d gotten a hand-written, long form letter from Justin. Another said Justin had reached out and shared a meal when he was struggling. It just went on and on. A consummate teammate, always invested in others.”

In basketball, the most competitive players often have an edge to their personality that makes them less approachable. Hardy had time for everyone, despite his fierce determination to win every drill. His life ended far too soon, but he absolutely went out a winner. His spirit will echo in the lives of all who knew him and far beyond.

The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honor Justin Hardy’s legacy to contribute to the #HardyStrong fund, which has covered medical and related expenses, but will largely go to a scholarship in Hardy’s name for students displaying the kind of grit and determination personified in Hardy’s life.