Mario Calix has always been regarded as a top defender, from the youth ranks to the Men's Amateur level. Born and raised in Durham, he began his development under Capital Area Soccer League (CASL).

 

  In 2016 Mario would begin representing Hillside at the prestigious DAC-VII 4A Conference. By 2020 he would collect multiple "Man Of The Match" awards, and three All-Conference nominations for the Hornets (despite a comparatively weaker roster as his support). Mario would also take a side quest as a kicker for their football team, due to the incomprehensible power he was able to get behind the ball.

​

 His string of 1v3 defending clips on social media would rapidly gain the attention of coach Luis Rios Jr, who was bolstering his squad ahead of their first season under Wake FC North. Mario holds a gold and silver regional medal from his time at the club.

​

  In 2019, at the age of 17, he signed for Central Raleigh FC U-23. In his two years before moving up to the first team, Mario was named Conference XI for both UPSL Division One and ECCL. He also finished with the second highest shutouts in the Eastern Carolina Conference League.

​

  Today Mario still keeps his form consistent and his tackles strong. In all first team matches played (34), Mario has only conceded 11 goals and only 1 of which was by aerial threat.