ABOUT US

At DIRTBAGS, we believe in grit and blending old-school fundamentals with cutting-edge training methods to help our athletes reach their full potential. Our mission is simple: AGGRESSIVE Performance.

Founded on a passion for player development, THE DIRTBAG WAY is for athletes who want more out of their training. From being the dirtiest on the field to diving into video analysis and advanced movement development, our coaches provide a complete approach that focuses on efficiency, strength, and long-term growth.

Whether you’re an aspiring youth player or a high-level prospect, our programs are designed to maximize performance on the field while building the discipline, confidence, and mindset needed to succeed off of it.

BLOOD - SWEAT - DIRT

A native of Cartersville, GA and seasoned baseball coach and instructor is one of the most passionate mentors in the area about developing young talent. With extensive playing and coaching experience, he has dedicated his career to helping athletes reach their fullest potential.

As a player, Hightower was a standout at Cartersville High School, winning three state championships and earning numerous accolades, including selection to GHSA Team Georgia and induction into the GHSA Hall of Fame.

He continued his baseball journey at the University of Florida, contributing to an SEC Conference Championship and reaching the College World Series finals. He later completed his collegiate career at Western Kentucky University, where he excelled athletically and earned both a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in sports administration.

Following his playing career, Hightower served as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky University and has accumulated over 20 years of experience coaching elite travel and youth baseball teams.

Matt currently resides in Dallas, GA with his wife Sierra and their 2 children Kipton and Tenley.

MATT HIGHTOWER

GEORGIA DIRECTOR

U.S. Baseball Coach Certification badge with NETTING logo at the bottom.
USA Baseball Base Certification logo with a red, white, and blue color scheme, featuring a star and baseball elements.

Experience

·      3x State Champion (2001, 2002, 2003) - Cartersville High School

·      2003 and 2004 – Selected to GHSA Team Georgia

·      2004 Most Valuable Player - Cartersville High School

·      Compiled 41-2 Pitching record for Cartersville High School (2001 – 2004)

·      2011 – Selected GHSA Hall of Fame – First Team All Decade Team

·      2015 State Champion – King’s Ridge Christian School - Coach

·      Scholarship to University of Florida 2004/2005

·      Member of 2005 University of Florida College World Series Team

·      SEC Conference Champion, University of Florida 2005,

·      Sun Belt Conf. Champion, Western Kentucky University 2008-09

·      Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year 2009,

·      Sun Belt All-Conference Outfielder First-Team 2009,

·      Sun Belt Conference Stolen Base Leader 2009,

·      Volunteer Assistant Coach, Western Kentucky University 2009 - 2011

 

Coaching Experience

·      M.S. in Administration – Western Kentucky University – 2011

·      Graduate Assistant Coach – Western Kentucky University – 2009 – 2011

·      20+ years coaching experience between college & elite travel baseball