Mario was born in SanJose de Gracia Michoacan, Mexico. He is the 13th child of 15 children. He started playing soccer when he was five years old. He played for the little league champion teams, PRI and PAN in Mexican little league. He played in high school varsity team for three years. He was a goal keeper and then started playing as midfielder in high school years. When he was in college he played as a goal keeper in varsity team until he broke his arm during one of the college soccer games. Later on, Mario moved to Washington State where he had played in amateur league for 10 years before he moved to Austin in 2001. He still plays and referees soccer games in Austin. In addition, he is one of the commissioners in Austin Amateur soccer league. He is father of three. Besides playing soccer he likes to go for fishing with his wife and kids. He also like dancing. Mario's favorite soccer team is Barcelona and his favorite player is Rafa Marquez.