Hill United Chiefs Voted Best ISC Team of the 2010s
The International Softball Congress is honored to announce that the Hill United Chiefs of Six Nations, Ontario have been voted by fans as the Best ISC Team of the 2010s. This recognition celebrates a decade of unprecedented dominance that saw the Chiefs establish themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in modern men’s fastpitch softball history.
Championship Dynasty
During the 2010s, the Hill United Chiefs captured four ISC World Tournament championships in just eight years (2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and finishing the decade with a fourth-place finish in 2019). This remarkable run included an historic three-peat from 2013 to 2015, putting them in a very exclusive list: Nitehawks won 6 in a row, and Chiefs, Jarvis Travelers, Mary Star All Stars and Hoak Packers have all won 3 in a row
The Chiefs’ tournament placements during the decade showcase their consistency:
- 2012: Runner-up
- 2013: Champions
- 2014: Champions
- 2015: Champions
- 2016: Runner-up
- 2017: Champions
- 2018: 4th place
- 2019: 4th place
This seven-year stretch from 2012 to 2018 saw the Chiefs reach the finals or semi-finals in every single appearance, a testament to their sustained excellence.
MVP-Caliber Talent
The Chiefs’ success was built on assembling and developing elite talent across all positions. During the 2010s, multiple Hill United players earned ISC World Tournament MVP honors:
- Nick Shailes (2013, 2015): The two-time MVP anchored the infield and was instrumental in the three-peat, becoming the first player to win multiple MVPs for the Chiefs
- Jeff Ellsworth (2014): The outfielder’s MVP performance helped secure the middle championship of the historic three-peat
- Nicolás Carril (2017): The outfielder’s excellence led the Chiefs to their fourth title of the decade
Pitching Excellence
The Chiefs’ dominance was anchored by world-class pitching that consistently shut down opposing lineups. Adam Folkard, who would later be voted Best Pitcher of the 2010s, was the ace of the staff during the championship years. His no-hitters, perfect games, and consistent winning performances gave the Chiefs an almost insurmountable advantage in tournament play.
The Hill Family Legacy
The Hill United Chiefs’ success story is inseparable from the vision and commitment of the Hill Family, Mohawks from the Six Nations of the Grand River reservation in Ontario. The family, consisting of six brothers and six sisters born to parents Pete and Betty Hill, has been instrumental in fastpitch softball for generations.
The Hill United name was conceived in 2008 by Vinny Hill, the youngest of the brothers, who convinced his nephews Bryan Porter and Earl Hill Jr., along with cousins and community members, to compete in a weekend tournament. The first-year roster was assembled primarily by Bryan Porter and Mike Joseph, with financial backing from Brian Hill, Ken Hill, and Jerry Montour.
Pete Hill took on a major sponsorship role beginning in 2017, providing the resources and leadership that propelled the team to continued success. Under Pete Hill’s stewardship as primary sponsor, the Chiefs rewarded his commitment with championships in 2017, and later in 2021 and 2024. His vision extended beyond the field—the Hill Family sponsored tournament broadcasts through businesses including First Nations Payments, Thunder Tribe, Dreamcatcher Foundation, Mohawk Farms, and Seeing Red Media.
The Hill Family was also pioneering in fan engagement, becoming one of the first clubs to stream all games for free using Ustream, setting a precedent for how fans consume fastpitch softball today. They sell merchandise at every tournament and host their own annual tournament, creating a complete brand experience.
Beyond softball, the Hill Family continues to be active in their community, sponsoring major lacrosse teams, junior and local hockey teams, and charitable efforts throughout the Six Nations territory. They exemplify their cultural values of cohesiveness and community support, bringing those elements to the Chiefs organization and setting the standard for future generations.
Setting the Standard
The Hill United Chiefs of the 2010s didn’t just win championships—they redefined what it meant to be a professional fastpitch organization. From elite talent acquisition to innovative fan engagement, from dominant on-field performance to deep community roots, the Chiefs set the bar for excellence across every dimension of the sport.
The International Softball Congress congratulates the Hill United Chiefs, the Hill Family, and all the players, coaches, and supporters who contributed to this remarkable decade of success. Their legacy as the Best ISC Team of the 2010s is firmly cemented in the history of men’s fastpitch softball.
