Diego Casillas understands the value of hard work.

Raised by a single mother with five brothers and one sister, Casillas didn't need much inspiration to pursue his dreams.

If he wanted motivation, all he had to do was follow the example set by his mother, Sandra, who worked two jobs to provide for her children.

Born in Mexico, Casillas and his family immigrated to California when he was a child.

Growing up in Watsonville, Visalia, and Porterville, he knew early on he needed to find an outlet to keep him out of trouble.

Soccer was his escape.

And it was the pitch that gave the now Tulare resident and Fresno FC midfielder an avenue to better his future.

"I don't know where I would have ended up without soccer," Casillas said.

Chipping away

Growing up, Casillas was usually one of the shortest players on the field.

But he's never allowed his lack of prototypical size stop him from achieving his goals.

In high school, during his senior year in 2012-13, Casillas scored 29 goals to help lead Monache High School to an East Yosemite League title and an appearance in the 2013 Central Section Division II championship game.

After starring for the Marauders, the 5-foot-5 Casillas played two seasons of junior college soccer at Taft College in Kern County.

As a Taft sophomore in 2014, he earned All-Central Valley Conference first-team honors while helping his team to an overall 21-1-2 record.

In two JuCo seasons, as a midfielder, Casillas appeared in 39 matches (35 starts) while registering 10 goals and four assists.

"Being the short player, you always get put down, 'That it's going to be hard,' " Casillas said. "Teams tell you, 'You're too small.' But I never gave up, you know. I kept pushing myself. I wouldn't take 'No' for an answer, and eventually, it got me to where I'm at."

Casillas' standout play led him to California State University, San Bernardino, an NCAA Division II program that competes in California Collegiate Athletic Association.

During his senior season at San Bernardino in 2016, Casillas led the team in goals (seven) and points (15) to garner All-CCAA honors.

"The toughest part was playing at a JC," Casillas said. "From there, I learned everything and I took it to the university and it was smooth for me. The coach liked the way I played, 'Do your thing.' "

Playing for dad

Casillas' father, Juan, died when he was 3-years old.

But despite not knowing his father as well as he would have liked, the elder Casillas left an impression on his son.

Casillas was named by his dad after Argentine soccer legend and World Cup champion Diego Maradona.

Like Maradona, Casillas would grow to be 5-5.

And like his father, Casillas loved the beautiful game.

But he admits, it was a challenge to climb the ranks of the soccer ladder without his dad.

"It was pretty tough because growing up, you see all your friends and their parents there, supporting," Casillas said. "They're on the sideline, cheering, 'Let's go, son.' Stuff like that. Not having a parent, it could be a negative thing. You could end up going down the wrong path, but for me, it was more of a, 'You know what? I'm going to make my dad proud.' He's not with us anymore but I'm trying to do something that he could be proud of me."

Every time the 24-year old Casillas takes the pitch, the memory of his father still lives on through his play.

"That's my motivation," Casillas said. "To this day, I told myself, 'Once I make it professionally — when the season's over and what not — I'm going to go to his grave and take a picture with my jersey as a gift.' "

A dream come true

After college, Casillas suited up for the Fresno Fuego before joining the Fresno FC U23 squad last season.

In 2018, with the U23, the former Monache standout appeared in all 13 matches, leading the club in minutes played (904), shots on goal (22) and goals scored (four).

Casillas married his wife, Gladiz, two years ago and the couple have a 3-month old son, Josiah.

With his marriage to Gladiz, Casillas obtained his resident Green Card in 2018 to live and work in the U.S. permanently, he said.

On March 6, Casillas' life-long dream came true when he signed a professional contract with United Soccer League Championship side Fresno FC.

"It was really exciting," Casillas said. "I've been working for it for so long. I went to so many different combines and stuff. They would tell me, 'We like the way you play, we'll get in contact with you.' But it's part of soccer. Coaches can like the way you play, but at the end of the day, because of my size, someone else can have the same kind of [skills] but might be a little bit taller. That plays a huge role. But I just kept fighting and fighting, and I finally got my chance here."

A surreal moment

In Fresno FC's season opener at New Mexico United on March 9, Casillas didn't think he was going to play as a reserve.

But Foxes' manager Adam Smith had other plans.

In the 75th minute, Smith called Casillas' number to warm up.

A couple of minutes later, Casillas entered the game and made his USL rookie debut. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

"I was like, 'Wow. This is really happening?' " Casillas said. "When I went in, it was just like crazy. I just couldn't believe it. It was a blessing."

Casillas, who wears the No. 22 jersey, has appeared in both of Fresno FC's matches this season.

In two games, coming off the bench, Casillas has logged 14 minutes while completing all three of his passes and recording a tackle won.

On the field, Casillas is known for his speed.

Whether the humble midfielder sees the pitch or not in the Foxes' home opener against Reno 1868 FC (1-1-0) on Saturday at Chukchansi Park, he is grateful for the opportunity to represent his club and community.

"There's nothing better than being a professional at home, or in the Valley," Casillas said. "… I'm going to have some good support out there. It's pretty nice, getting that type of support, friends who want to go out and watch you play."

Vongni Yang is a sports reporter for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. He covers Tulare County sports. Follow him on Twitter @Vongni. To support his continued coverage of local sports, subscribe today.

How to attend

Fresno FC (1-1-0) hosts its home season opener against Reno 1868 FC (1-1-0) on Saturday at Chukchansi Park. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

More:Farmersville High grad Jose Cuevas kicks off season with Fresno FC

See who made the All-WYL girls soccer team

See who made the All-WYL, EYL boys soccer teams

After slow start, Tulare Western aiming to turn around season