Local Heroes: How Charlottesville Athletes Inspire the Next Generation
In the heart of Virginia, two local athletes, Kymora Johnson and Chance Mallory, have become role models for young fans, particularly siblings Kate and Christopher Altizer. Kate, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, eagerly mimics basketball shots whenever her father mentions a trip to see Johnson, a testament to the impact these athletes have on their young admirers.
“She starts pretending like she’s going to shoot,” said their father, Altizer. “Like, she puts up her right hand and holds her follow-through.” This simple gesture highlights the connection between the Altizer family and these athletes. For Kate and Christopher, Johnson and Mallory are more than just basketball stars; they’re friends. “At our (St. Anne’s) games,” Altizer explained, “Chance would always make a point to seek out Kate and give her a fist-bump.”
Both athletes have a natural ability to connect with children, especially those with special needs. “Mo’s the same way,” Altizer continued. “She always finds her and hugs her. It’s like they’re all family.” This connection is partly due to Johnson and Mallory’s own experiences growing up in Charlottesville, where they too admired University of Virginia (UVA) basketball players.
Johnson served as a ball girl for the Cavalier women’s games, while Mallory’s father often brought UVA players to watch his son play. “I do it because I used to be the one who’d want autographs and pictures with the players,” Mallory shared. “So, I just try to stop when somebody calls my name, take as many pictures that I can, and try to embrace this blessing I have to be able to play here.”
Johnson, who faced challenges early in her career, including disqualification from a tournament for playing on a boys’ team, uses her platform to inspire others. Her goal is to “fuel the next generation,” she explained, finding joy in interactions with young fans. “It’s the highlight of my day,” she said. “I want to be there for these kids, talk to them, have experiences like that because I know how important that is at such a young age.”
These athletes’ influence extends beyond the court, as noted by Ben D’Alessandro, Executive Director of the Virginia Basketball Academy. “It’s a great testament to both Kymora and Chance’s affinity for their influence beyond basketball,” he said. “They’re comfortable in this community. I think they handle their local fame very gracefully, and they enjoy it.”
Staying Power
Both Johnson and Mallory have faced pivotal moments in their careers, such as coaching changes that led to potential transfers. Mallory reconsidered his commitment to UVA after a coaching shift but ultimately recommitted to the team. Similarly, Johnson contemplated transferring to a national powerhouse but chose to remain with the Cavaliers.
Their decisions to stay at UVA underscore their dedication to the Charlottesville community. As Charlottesville Mayor Wade put it, “They’re true role models for our community. They prove you can make it from here and do amazing things.”
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