Peach County High School

A Milestone for the Ages: Coach Joey Hiller Reaches 500th Softball Win with Peach County Dominance

FORT VALLEY, GA — On a warm Tuesday evening in Macon, history was made. Peach County High School’s legendary head coach, Joey Hiller, notched his 500th career softball win in unforgettable fashion — a 20–0 shutout over Rutland High School that ended in just three innings by run rule. The scoreboard may have told the story of the game, but the real story is one of decades of dedication, dominance, and unshakable commitment to excellence.

For Hiller, this milestone is more than a number. It’s the latest chapter in a coaching career that has produced 1,197 total victories across baseball and softball, built on respect, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. With 697 wins in baseball and now 500 in softball, he stands as one of the rare few to achieve championship-level success in two sports — year after year, season after season.

“This milestone is special because of the players and coaches who have been part of the journey,” Hiller said. “Every win represents hard work, sacrifice, and the belief that we could accomplish something great together.”

A Record of Champions

From his early days as an assistant at Stratford Academy in the mid-1990s, to a 25-year run building a dynasty at Tattnall Square Academy, and now leading the Trojans of Peach County, Hiller’s career has been defined by victory. His resume glitters with:

• 12 State Championships – 11 in baseball, 1 in softball.
  
  

• 3 State Runner-Up Finishes – 2 in baseball, 1 in softball.
  
  

• 27 Region Titles – 15 in baseball, 12 in softball.
  
  

• 18 Final Four Appearances – 7 in baseball, 11 in softball.
  
  

• Zero Losing Seasons – in nearly three decades of coaching.

These numbers aren’t just stats — they’re proof of consistency at the highest level, season after season, against the best in Georgia.

From Player to Hall of Fame Coach

Hiller’s own playing days laid the foundation for his leadership. He starred at Middle Georgia College (1990–1992) and Columbus State University (1992–1994), and twice heard his name called in the MLB Draft — first by the Atlanta Braves in 1990 (49th round) and later by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1994 (18th round).

In 2021, he was inducted into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the region’s most accomplished athletes and coaches.

A Family of Excellence

The Hiller name is synonymous with elite performance — and it runs in the family. His daughter, Grace Hiller, continued the tradition at Clemson University, where she played second base and first base for the Tigers. A two-time GHSA First Team All-State selection, high school valedictorian, and Macon Sports Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete, Grace has also earned collegiate honors including All-ACC Academic Team and NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete.

The Strength Beside the Success

Behind every championship, every milestone, and every season of excellence, there’s been one constant — his wife, Cristy. A physical therapist in the school system, Cristy has been Joey’s best friend, good luck charm, and biggest fan since the day they married on June 9, 2001. She’s been there for every high and low, every championship dogpile, and every tough loss. As Hiller puts it, “The phrase ‘behind every successful man is a strong woman’ couldn’t be more true. She’s seen it all and been there through it all — I wouldn’t be here without her."

The Road Ahead

With this milestone behind him, Coach Hiller isn’t slowing down. The Peach County community is buzzing with excitement, not just for what he’s achieved, but for what’s still to come. As the Lady Trojans chase more region titles and another shot at a state championship, they do so under the guidance of one of the most accomplished — and respected — coaches Georgia has ever seen. Here’s to the next 500.

Peach County Softball Coach Earns 500th Career Win