At just 10 years old, William Hill considered walking away from the game he loved.
Benched more often than he played and overlooked by a coach who never invested in his development, Hill’s passion for baseball nearly faded before it had a chance to flourish. But with unwavering support from his parents, a change in environment and a coach who saw his potential, Hill turned what could have been the end of his baseball story into the beginning of something greater.
Years later, the former Summer Creek standout and centerfielder is headed to the University of Texas, fulfilling a dream that once seemed out of reach.
Hill began playing baseball at six, but it wasn’t until he turned 10 that he began to question his place in the sport.
“At 10 years old, I struggled with everything, but the thing I struggled with most was hitting. I couldn’t figure out how to truly swing the bat,” said Hill.
Though he loved the game, Hill felt his development had stalled. He looked to his coach for guidance. Instead, Hill found himself riding the bench, discouraged and disheartened.
“It felt demoralizing,” said Hill. “I started thinking baseball might not be for me. Practices felt like a chore — I didn’t even want to show up.”
In his lowest moments, his father, Willie Hill, encouraged him to keep going.
“Don’t ever doubt your abilities,” his father told him — words that stuck.
“My parents played a huge role in keeping me going. They never let me give up,” said Hill. “I saw how hard they worked in life and I wanted to mirror that work ethic in everything I did.”
Determined to grow, Hill transferred from Dynasty Baseball to Rampage, a team that had often bested his own. That’s when he met Coach AJ Santa Rita — a turning point in Hill’s journey.
“Joining Rampage reignited my love for the game,” said Hill. “Coach AJ will forever be one of the best coaches I’ve had. He treated us like family. There were no favorites — everyone had an equal opportunity.”
After two years, Hill returned to Dynasty, this time under Coach Jeremy Allen. Allen was the first coach Hill had who looked like him and his impact was lasting.
“Coach Allen helped me believe in myself in a sport where I was often the minority. I made huge improvements and with those came confidence,” said Hill.
That confidence carried Hill into high school, where he made an immediate impact at Summer Creek High School, earning a varsity spot as a freshman and splitting starts with senior pitcher Adam Troy, now at USC by way of Pepperdine.
“My freshman year felt like something out of a movie,” said Hill. “I’m still so thankful for the way the seniors embraced me.”
Though he didn’t receive any awards that season, Hill’s hustle stood out, especially to summer ball coach Nick DeSantiago.
“The thing that always impressed me about Will was how hard he played,” said DeSantiago. “He’d hit a fly ball and still sprint out of the box. The talent was always there, but his character set him apart.”
Hill isn’t a loud or vocal leader. He leads by example through his effort and discipline.
“My work ethic is something I take pride in,” said Hill. “I don’t like skipping reps or taking it easy. I believe the way you do one thing is the way you do everything.”
That drive caught the attention of the University of Texas scouts. While watching other prospects on DeSantiago’s team, a UT scout noticed Hill.
“Coach DeSantiago had a good relationship with the UT scout. We had a few commits on the team already, so when the scout came to watch them, he got a look at me too,” said Hill.
It didn’t take long for the Longhorns to offer Hill a scholarship.
“Summer ball was a big stepping stone for me,” said Hill. “Coach DeSantiago was great about getting us in front of college coaches.”
Hill ultimately chose Texas over offers from TCU, Georgia and Tennessee.
“Texas felt like home,” said Hill. “The competition in the SEC is top-tier and the academics at UT are second to none. It’s one of the most prestigious schools in the country.”
Hill went on to become a four-year varsity letterman and led his team in batting average his senior year, hitting an impressive .506.
“Being offered by UT as a freshman, playing varsity all four years and finishing with that batting average — it’s something I once thought was unimaginable,” said Hill. “But my family always kept me grounded.”
Looking ahead, Hill remains focused and hungry, still guided by hustle and grit.
“My ultimate goal is to be a Hall of Famer in the Major Leagues,” said Hill. “But no matter what, I’ll keep working.”
To young athletes struggling with doubt or early setbacks, Hill offers simple but powerful advice:
“Don’t give up. Everyone grows at a different pace. All you can do is work hard, trust the process and believe that God has a plan for you,” said Hill.
About William Hill:
Class: 2025
IG: @Willhill._
Twitter: @W1llhill06
Position: Centerfielder
Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 202 pounds
Favorite artist: Lil Wayne
Status: Committed to the University of Texas
Favorite subject: History
Shout-outs: Family, Coach Kenny Ray Harrison, Coach James Harper, Coach Travis Earles and Coach Kyle Guisti
