Hill made Newton County go on soccer field

Published 4:25 pm Thursday, May 24, 2018

When Chad Bond was informed midfielder Joel Hill was named The Meridian Star’s Premier Preps boys soccer player of the year for 2017-18, he wasn’t surprised.

The Newton County boys soccer coach watched Hill practice and play every day the team was together, and he said it was obvious to everyone just how much Hill meant to the Cougars. It wasn’t just the 14 goals and seven assists, nor was it simply his selection to the Mississippi Association of Coaches’ All-Star team. Hill’s contributions, Bond said, go beyond a listing of his accolades.

“He made our team go,” Bond said. “He was the captain on and off the field. He was the quarterback on the field — he knew where everyone was supposed to be and directed traffic on he field. He helped motivate the guys and was the leader in practice. He would be encouraging, and he would chew some butt when he needed to. He’s very deserving of the honor.”

Hill said he was humbled to be selected player of the year and that he couldn’t have done it without the good chemistry and support he had with his teammates.

“Knowing how hard I worked and how much time I put into it, I can’t be any more grateful,” Hill said. “My teammates and my coaches helped me, and my parents have really helped me along the way.”

Hill began playing soccer around the age of 3, and in addition to playing for Newton County, he’s also involved with a select soccer team based out of Brandon. It’s a lot of practicing and playing in games, but Hill said he fell in love with the sport early on and has never been overwhelmed by it.

“I just love how it’s played, just having the ball at my feet and being able to control what’s going on,” Hill explained. “It’s kind of different, too. Everyone plays football and baseball, and soccer is a different sport that just kind of fit me and my personality.

“I never get tired of it. Every time I get the chance to play, I’m going to be out there trying to do everything I can.”

Bond said there are several aspects to Hill’s game that make him a complete player.

“He handles the ball really well, and he’s very calm on the ball,” Bond said. “He doesn’t get worked up, doesn’t get flustered easily. He distributes the ball well. He led the team in scoring and probably led in assists, too. He did all the things we needed him to do.”

Playing the MAC All-Star game was an experience that stood out to Hill, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to play alongside and against top-notch players.

“Some of them were teammates of mine from Brandon, and some of the guys I knew of and knew how good they were,” Hill said. “I also got to meet some of my future teammates (at East Central Community College) as well. I really want to thank Coach Bond for selecting me for that.”

ECCC is where Hill will continue his soccer career, and attending there has been on his mind for most of his life.

“It’s right across the street from me, and my parents really love it,” Hill said. “I know Coach (Kenneth) Thompson has a great program there. They finished in the semifinals of the state tournament, so I know I’m getting in with a good team. It’s been a few years since Newton County had a soccer player go to East Central, so it’s nice to start back with that tradition.”

Hill also plays tennis and was an MHSAA Class 4A state champion in mixed doubles along with his partner, Kayla Baucum.