Mario Chalmers

Mario “Rio” Chalmers acquired his love for basketball at age 2 thanks to a nerf basketball and hoop, and brought home his first championship trophy from the local YMCA league at age 12. In high school, under the guidance of his father and head coach Ronnie, Rio won two Alaska State Championships, and was names McDonalds All-American. At the University of Kansas, Rio earned a starting position during his freshman year, and helped lead the Jayhawks to the Big 12 Conference title. Two seasons later, Rio was a key member of KU’s National Championship team, and famously hit a 3 point shot with 2.1 seconds left in regulation of the title game, which has come to be be known as the “The Miracle Shot.” Rio’s success has continued throughout his NBA career, winning back-to-back championships with the Miami Heat, and as a standout with the Memphis Grizzlies. Off the court, Rio is the founder of the Mario V. Chalmers Foundation, which supports the positive development of youth through sports and education, and also funds breast cancer research and treatment initatives, which also includes Mario’s Closet, located in Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS. Now he is releasing his first children’s book, which began as a high school Children’s Literature assignment. Enjoy as you #readwithrio.