When Damien Rameau ’20 left Carrollwood Day School, he had his eyes set on law school. As a political science and government major at Samford University—with a minor in strength and conditioning—his plan seemed clear. He was also playing baseball at the collegiate level, a dream he carried from his time as a Patriot athlete.
After sustaining hip injuries that made continuing in college baseball unsustainable, Damien found himself reevaluating his future. He still wanted to be in the world of athletics, surrounded by that familiar camaraderie and competitive spirit. At the encouragement of his advisor and a few classmates, he began exploring his strength and conditioning minor more seriously, and what started as a curiosity quickly became a calling.
By junior year, Damien was fully immersed in a strength and conditioning internship with the Samford football team. He helped lead players through lifts, assisted during practices, supported gameday operations, and tracked key performance metrics. He even completed a legal internship along the way to confirm that coaching, not courtrooms, was where he belonged.
But life has a way of shifting plans in unexpected ways.
After graduation, Damien began a series of elite internships that strengthened his experience and his resume. He worked with the University of North Carolina’s football team in the summer of 2024, then joined the University of Mississippi as a strength and conditioning intern for the fall football season. In January 2025, he was named a graduate assistant coach, where he earned his degree while gaining hands-on experience running a collegiate strength program.
For the first time, Damien led a team of his own—taking over the softball strength and conditioning program, building trust with athletes, and learning what it truly means to be a coach. His long-term goal? To one day coach at the NFL level.
It’s not just about programming workouts,” Damien shared. “You have to figure out what makes your athletes tick—how to coach them so they’re ready for anything.
But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Constant relocation, adapting to different school cultures, and learning from a variety of head coaching styles have all tested his flexibility. Navigating his identity after the end of his athletic career also required personal growth. Still, Damien emphasizes that “this field is what you make of it,” and that networking, persistence, and passion are key.
| Reflecting on His CDS Roots |
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Damien credits Carrollwood Day School with laying the foundation for his success. "My experience at CDS gave me a lot of opportunities to learn and grow as a student. I played sports all four years, which opened doors both inside and outside the classroom—and introduced me to some of my closest friends.” He fondly remembers the support he received from faculty and coaches, many of whom he still visits when he's in town. “There are still a few teachers and coaches I stop by to see. I like to bring them gear from the places I’ve worked—it’s my way of saying thanks.” His favorite memories? Competing in the state baseball tournament and the annual PSAT day go-karting trip. “But my favorite tradition,” he added, “was the homecoming bonfire. That feeling of community and school spirit—it stuck with me.” Damien's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and finding purpose even when your first plan doesn't go as expected. He may have started out dreaming of a courtroom, but he’s found his home in the weight room—helping athletes reach their full potential and learning every step of the way. And through it all, he proudly carries his CDS roots with him. |
We love sharing our alumni achievements with the CDS community. If you are a CDS Alumni and would like to share your accomplishments, please contact our Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Carli Gauthier Mianne '16 at and let us know what you have been up to since leaving CDS. We look forward to hearing from you!