Chico State Athletics

When Chico State's campus went virtual earlier this semester, men's soccer standout Samuel Licona moved back home to the tiny Humboldt County community of Rio Dell. He hopes that his story is proof for the youth of Rio Dell that following their dreams is the real deal.
 
Licona absolutely is. The first in his family to earn a college degree—awarded during Friday's virtual ceremony—Licona did so while playing high-level collegiate soccer and earning a spot on the Dean's List in each of the last two semesters.
 
"Sammy's story is a highlight for us," Chico State Head Coach Felipe Restrepo said. "As soon as he got to campus he hit the ground running in every aspect. He dove into leadership, and community service, and earned a spot as team captain for his senior season."
 
Licona earned his degree in Spanish and he plans to return to school to get a teaching credential.
 
First, he's going to give himself at least a year to pursue professional playing opportunities. It would be unwise to doubt his chances. When Licona sets his sights on something, he usually reaches his goal.
 
Neither of his parents—Jose Cabrera and Concepcion—graduated from high school. But Licona decided he would not only do that, but also become the first in his family to graduate from college.
 
"It's a great achievement for me," Licona said. "My parents were from Mexico. When you're a boy in Mexico like my dad was, you go through sixth grade and then you start working. My mom didn't get to graduate high school either. But they were very supportive of me when I told them I wanted to get an education. And I wanted to set the tone for my little brother. It's a big motivation for him to be next. My parents are stoked."
 
Licona hopes he also helped set a tone in his community.
 
"It feels awesome being able to come back here with a degree," Licona said. "Being able to play at the collegiate level and get my degree was a big accomplishment. I hope I set an example for the youth here so that know they can achieve what they put their minds to."
 
Licona started his collegiate career at the College of the Redwoods, close to home. Transferring to Chico State was a big step. He was unsure what it would be like to join a team made up of student-athletes from all across the state and beyond.
 
"It felt like family right away, which was huge," Licona said. "I got really comfortable and that helped a lot in every aspect. It gave me the confidence I needed on the field and gave me confidence in everything else. It was an amazing two years."
 
Licona started all 17 of the Wildcats' matches this season as a defensive holding midfielder and helped spearhead a back end that allowed only 12 goals in those 17 matches. He also dished out a pair of assists for the Wildcats, who finished the season 12-5-0. Licona played in all 37 matches over the past two seasons, starting 27 of them.
 
"His work ethic is as good as it gets," Restrepo said. "He's an incredible teammate and someone the coaching staff could lean on to guide the team."
 
Licona credits Restrepo for helping him develop as a player and person.
"Coach pushed me in many ways. He knew I could achieve more and improve in every aspect of life. That's something I really appreciate about him," Licona said. "It really helped me become not just a stronger player, but it showed me that I am capable of achieving a lot more outside of the sport than I even realized."
 
Restrepo is thrilled to see Licona pursuing a teaching credential.
 
"He believes in the goodness in people and he loves working with youth," Restrepo said. "He's going to be a great mentor. Speaking as a brown man, I am thrilled to see him getting into the teaching profession. There aren't enough of us in that profession. I can't be any prouder of him."
 
What will Licona's message be once he gets into the teaching profession? Something similar to the message he hopes his presence in Rio Dell is sending those kids today.
 
"Usually people are worried about what others think or whether other people believe in you. But in the end, it's up to you. If you believe in yourself you really can achieve anything."
 
Licona also knows that support helps, which is one of the reasons he wants to enter the teaching profession.
 
"I'm thankful to so many teachers and coaches who have helped me along the way, of course," said Licona. "But most of all, I'm thankful for the support of my parents, brother and fiancé. Thanks to them I am where I am."