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By David Lovell

The Greenville Advocate

Greenville High School athletic standout, Christian Hill, has signed a commitment to continue his career on the field and in the classroom at Alabama State University (ASU) and will join the Hornets baseball team as a pitcher.

“This is a lifelong accomplishment and a goal of mine to continue playing baseball, it’s always been my favorite sport,” Hill said at the conclusion of a signing ceremony attended by his family, fellow students, coaches, and supporters on May 9. “Just to have my family, friends, and coaches on my side continuing to push me to the next level not only as an athlete but as a person has been wonderful.” 

Hill’s father, Madus Hill, said his son works constantly towards excellence in his chosen sport.

“He has always strived to play baseball at the next level,” Mandus said. “He can go play a baseball game and after the game go to the batting cages, his work ethic is unbelievable.” 

Christian finished his senior season for the Tigers with a .507 batting average, an on-base percentage of .587, and 37 hits. On the mound he had 92 strikeouts and a 2.2 earned run average in 46 innings pitched. He was also selected as the Baseball Player of the Year by the Butler County Sports Network and was honored and awarded at their inaugural awards banquet. 

“We all saw the potential and he has worked really hard,” Greenville Head Baseball Coach Josh Beverly said. “It’s been really good [for our program] because we have not had a whole lot of success but Christian was our main man this year.”  ​​

The Tigers finished the season with a 12-14 record making it to the state playoffs for the first time since the 2011 season. 

“It has been awesome to be able to come together and to keep getting better as a team,” Christian explained. “It has been our goal [to make the playoffs] since we’ve been here.” 

Christian not only excelled on the field but also in the classroom, receiving a Presidential scholarship with plans to pursue an engineering degree. He will graduate with 36 dual-enrollment credit hours from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, starting college as a sophomore. 

“I’ve always been able to do a decent job of being able to keep track of what all I needed to get done throughout the day, whether in class, playing sports, or when I have time off to recuperate,” Christian said. 

On top of academics and athletics achievements,  Christian has also demonstrated character and leadership during his time as a student athlete, receiving the Mark DeBellis Character Award. The honor is given to an outstanding football player that exemplifies the definition of true character and as finalist for the Butler County Achiever Awards. The Butler County Achiever Award is given to a male and female student each year who have displayed outstanding qualities in academics, athletics, church, and community. 

“I always try to treat people as they would want to be treated. It’s important to be kind to others because you never know what people are going through,” Christian said. 

“He is an excellent kid and is always loving,” said Christian’s grandmother, Carol Hill. 

“We are so proud of Christian for reaching his goals,” said Christian’s mom, Tina Guy. “He is a great student athlete and will represent Greenville and Butler County well at the next level.” 

Hill will be the first Greenville High School athlete to play baseball at the Division 1 level and will Graduate with honors on May 20.