Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



In the Italian language, it’s grintoso. In German, it’s resolut. In Spanish, it’s called firme. In English, it’s called determination. However, you pronounce it, it’s surely the main quality that earned Fultondale’s Haley Hill a spot on the Alabama Sports Writers Association 2A All-State softball team for 2008.

Hill’s determination to overcome a lingering shoulder injury led to the Lady Wildcat junior catcher posting the sixth-highest batting average in state history.

Hill has been in and out of the doctor’s office over the past few years with ligament and tendon problems in one of her shoulders. One doctor informed her she needed rotator cuff surgery. However, after learning that the surgery wouldn’t guarantee an injury-free future and the situation could resurface despite an operation, Hill decided to work through the wound with physical therapy.

Hill has endured rigorous rehab on the shoulder, not once or twice, but four times over the past two years.

The damaged shoulder began to affect Hill’s play during the 2007 season.

“I was worn down because of it and it was affecting my swing,” Hill said. “I was trying too hard and I was frustrated. It made me mad and I did worse. I didn’t have a good year all the way around.”

Hill finished the year with a .356 batting average, which was a letdown for the sophomore, who had hit over .400 during her freshman season.

After the season ended, Hill began her first rehab stint and skipped playing travel softball for the first time in years.

Hill thought the time off of sports would hasten her recovery. In years past, she felt worn out pretty much year round, after playing four full seasons of sports every 12 months. Beginning in the fall, she played volleyball, then when basketball season started, she took to the court for the Lady Wildcats. Then, after catching for Fultondale, she played softball throughout the summer break from school with a travel-ball team.

“I was used to playing sports year round,” she said. “But, I wanted to give my body a rest and let it heal.”

Hill’s shoulder improved over the summer. By the time this spring rolled around, Hill felt she could have another season at the plate, like the one she had as a freshman.

In the season opener, against Dora, Hill showed a hint of what was to come, as she crushed a fastball over the fence in left center during her second at bat of the game.

She took the team lead in RBIs from the opening day and kept setting the pace for the Lady Wildcats in driving in runs the entire campaign.

“I enjoy hitting in the number three slot,” Hill said. “The team counts on me to drive in runs. I like what I do—being a run producer for our team.”

Three weeks into the season, Hill was hitting just over .350, but she was determined to raise her average even higher.

“One day when I was taking batting practice and I realized it was all in my head,” she said. “I was pressing too much. I figured out, if I relax, I’d be a better hitter.”

A better hitter, is just what she proved to be as her average began climbing. By connecting for just over two hits per game over a three week period, her average climbed above the .500 mark. But, she wasn’t satisficed with reaching the milestone, her determination took over and she aimed still higher.

“I would look in the paper every week and see the top batting averages and I wanted to be the one at the top,” she said. “I wanted to compete and have the best year at the plate that I could have.”

When the Lady Wildcats ended their season, Hill average stood at an astounding .545, having connected for 42 hits in 77 at bats.

In addition to all the base hits, Hill reached her goal of leading the club in RBIs this year, as she drove in 34 runs in 29 games.

“I wanted to be a team leader and lead by example,” Hill said. “I wanted to have a better season than the year before and I wanted to lead the club in RBIs.”

Hill displays her determination once again when she looks forward to the 2009 season.

“I think we have potential to get to state,” she said. “It’ll be my senior year and I think it can be my best yet and I expect our team to have our best season ever.”