Personal Bio:
I am Cole Lickley, and I am 18 years old. I am a recent graduate of Valley High School, in which I was a valedictorian. I am very blessed with the opportunities I was given at Valley, and am forever grateful for the things the Viking community has done for me and taught me. My family is so great; they have helped me in everything and shaped the person I am and strive to be.
Favorite high school memory?
Getting the chance to step on the court, and even start, in the third place game at state basketball, after receiving a "season ending" ankle injury.
What is something most people do not know about you? :
I have a degenerative eye disease called kerataconus. This disease was diagnosed in the spring of 2013, which I was told I would have to wait until my immune system was strong enough to get cornea transplants. After a second opinion, I was entered into a clinical study, which after two procedures, slowed the progression, delaying or hopefully eliminating the need for cornea transplants.
Future plans?
I am going to the University of Idaho to double major in Agri-Business and Marketinig. I will also compete in rodeo.
When you "grow up" what is your idea of the perfect job?:
International Marketing Manager for an Agri-Business company in the northwest. I am really passionate about marketing agriculture into other countries.
What is the best advice you have ever received and from who?:
From my basketball coach, Coach Hardy, "Never stop believing." He told me this right after my ankle injury, and I kept that advice with me, which helped me to do everything I needed to be able to play in one last basketball game.
What advice can you give the kids coming up on how to get the most out of their high school careers?:
Enjoy the ride, because by the time you graduate, you will wish it had gone slower. Doing good in school is more important than you will ever know! Having that good GPA on scholarship applications and resumes, along with all the athletic and extracurricular activities, will set you apart from all other applicants.
Your thoughts on being selected as one of the inaugural IdahoSports.com Student-Athletes of the Year?:
It is such an honor to be selected out of all the great kids from around the state.
Nominated by Brian Hardy, Athletic Director at Valley HS:
Cole Lickley has been a role model for everyone iin our school. He works hard in the classroom, but also uses his talents to stay busy and help out many clubs or organizations in our small school.
He has excelled athletically by being a coachable kid and a great teammate. He not only sets the tone in practice with his work ethic, but he inspires others to rise up to his level in a positive way.
My own boys have been around basketball practice as managers and he treats all younger students in
our school with respect and always has time to give them some attention or ask how their day went.
I would consider myself lucky and know I did my job as a parent if my children grow up to think and act
like Cole. He is a great small town kid and a perfect example of what this award stands for.
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