CDS Athletics, Building Champions in the Classroom and on the Field

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CDS Athletics

At Carrollwood Day School, we champion good health and active lifestyles as essential to every student’s growth and success. Our athletics program mirrors the values of our arts program, focusing on progression, skill development, and personal growth—all within a supportive and inclusive community.

From their very first steps on our Early Childhood Campus, students are immersed in outdoor play, discovering the importance of cooperation, respect, and the pure joy of movement. In Elementary School, the focus shifts to building teamwork, fostering friendships, and embracing the fun and energy of sports. As they step into Middle School, students begin to hone their skills, develop confidence, and experience the excitement of competitive play. By the time they reach Upper School, 80% of our students are involved in athletics, choosing to compete at high levels while cultivating leadership, discipline, and a lifelong love for sports.

At CDS, athletics isn’t just about the game—it’s about building character, resilience, and teamwork that lasts a lifetime.

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2023 Volleyball State Champions

Athletics testimonial

Being part of a team at CDS has taught me so much about leadership and perseverance. Whether we win or lose, we support each other, and that’s what makes it so special.

Ella R., 8th Grade Soccer Player

Athletics Quote

I’ve seen such incredible growth in my child through CDS athletics. Not only has their physical ability improved, but they’ve also learned valuable lessons about teamwork, commitment, and sportsmanship that will serve them for years to come.

Sarah L., Parent of an Upper School Athlete

2023 Boys Soccer State Champions

Elementary School Student Athlete

Lower School Athletics

Building Foundations for Fitness, Fun, and Teamwork in Lower School Athletics

In Elementary School, athletics is all about laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and teamwork. Through outdoor play and structured activities, students learn the basics of physical fitness, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Whether it's running, jumping, or playing games together, our young athletes develop a love for movement while building the social skills needed to thrive in any team environment. It's a fun and supportive way to kickstart their athletic journey!

Elementary Athletics Offerings:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Pep Squad
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball
     

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Middle School Student Athlete

Middle School Athletics

Developing Skills, Confidence, and Teamwork in Middle School Athletics

Middle School athletics at CDS focuses on skill development, confidence building, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork. As students progress, they have the opportunity to refine their athletic abilities and engage in friendly competition. With a wide range of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track, our Middle School athletes are encouraged to push themselves, collaborate with teammates, and enjoy the process of growth both on and off the field. It’s a fun, supportive environment where they can discover their strengths and build lasting friendships.


Middle School Athletics Offerings:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Flag Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swim
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

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Upper School Athletics

Achieving Excellence and Leadership Through Upper School Athletics

Upper School athletics at CDS offers students the opportunity to compete at higher levels, emphasizing excellence, leadership, and personal growth. With 80% of our students participating in sports, they can choose from a variety of competitive teams, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, and more. Our athletes develop discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship while representing their school with pride. Whether competing at the varsity level or enjoying intramural sports, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, work as a team, and carry the values of hard work and dedication into all aspects of their lives.


Upper School Athletics Offerings:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Flag Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swim
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

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Elementary School Student Athlete

Middle School Student Athlete

Upper School Student Athlete

Meet our Athletics Team

The leadership team of the CDS Athletics department is dedicated to guiding and inspiring our student-athletes to reach their full potential. Comprising experienced coaches and staff, the team emphasizes personal growth, skill development, and a commitment to excellence. With a focus on creating a positive, inclusive environment, our leadership team works closely with athletes to foster teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. They provide mentorship both on and off the field, ensuring that each student-athlete not only excels in their sport but also develops important life skills that extend beyond athletics.

For teams coming to CDS for games, click here for directions to the Bearss Avenue Campus.

Home Fields

  • CDS home games/meets for Football, Soccer, and Baseball are held at the Wagner Athletic Complex on the Bearss Avenue campus.
  • CDS home Softball games and Middle School Cross-Country meets are held on South Beach at the Bearss Avenue campus.
  • CDS home Volleyball and Basketball games are held at the Hayes Family Gymnasium on the Bearss Avenue campus.
  • CDS home Golf matches are hosted at Cheval Golf and Athletic Club.
  • CDS home Swim meets are at Tampa Palms.
  • CDS Tennis home courts are at Cheval Golf and Athletic Club.

Visiting teams should contact CDS by telephone the day of their event for team bus entrance and parking instructions.
 

Meet our Athletics Team

The leadership team of the CDS Athletics department is dedicated to guiding and inspiring our student-athletes to reach their full potential. Comprising experienced coaches and staff, the team emphasizes personal growth, skill development, and a commitment to excellence. With a focus on creating a positive, inclusive environment, our leadership team works closely with athletes to foster teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. They provide mentorship both on and off the field, ensuring that each student-athlete not only excels in their sport but also develops important life skills that extend beyond athletics.

Photo of Barry Chamberlin

Barry Chamberlin
Athletic Director

Photo of Casey Higgins

Casey Higgins
Assistant Athletic Director for the Upper School

Photo of Tyler Van Bussum

Tyler Van Bussum
Assistant Athletic Director for the Middle School

Photo of Nayda Hawkins

Nayda Hawkins
Lower School Physical Education Teacher

Photo of Melissa Lisi

Melissa Lisi
Athletics Assistant

Athletics Facts

Upper School Athlete

21

competitive sports in upper school
Athletes playing in the gym

11,000

Square Feet of playing space in the Hayes Family Gymnasium
Signing Day Photo

118

Student-Athletes Signees

Since our first graduating class in 2009, 118 CDS student-athletes have gone on to sign with collegiate programs, showcasing their talent and commitment to excellence. These dedicated athletes have pursued their passion for sports at the collegiate level in a wide range of disciplines, including football, volleyball, soccer, baseball, golf, swimming, track & field, basketball, wrestling, softball, hockey, tennis, and even fencing. Their success is a testament to the strong foundation built through our athletics program, where hard work, teamwork, and determination are instilled at every level.

Sports Medicine

The Sports Medicine program at Carrollwood Day School is dedicated to the health and safety of all our student-athletes. With a mission focused on providing the highest quality healthcare, our Athletic Training Department is committed to ensuring the well-being of each athlete. Led by two full-time Certified Athletic Trainers, our program covers the prevention, evaluation, emergency management, treatment, rehabilitation, and education surrounding injuries. This highly experienced healthcare professional plays a vital role in supporting our athletes throughout their athletic journey.

At CDS, athletic safety is our top priority, and we have implemented comprehensive safety procedures to protect our student-athletes. Our policies ensure that every athlete receives the best care and attention both on and off the field.

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Trainer with team

Sports Medicine

The Sports Medicine program at Carrollwood Day School is dedicated to the health and safety of all our student-athletes. With a mission focused on providing the highest quality healthcare, our Athletic Training Department is committed to ensuring the well-being of each athlete. Led by two full-time Certified Athletic Trainers, our program covers the prevention, evaluation, emergency management, treatment, rehabilitation, and education surrounding injuries. This highly experienced healthcare professional plays a vital role in supporting our athletes throughout their athletic journey.

At CDS, athletic safety is our top priority, and we have implemented comprehensive safety procedures to protect our student-athletes. Our policies ensure that every athlete receives the best care and attention both on and off the field.

Discover More about Sports Medicine at CDS

Athletics testimonial

Being a student-athlete at CDS has taught me how to balance discipline in both academics and sports. It’s more than just about winning—it’s about pushing yourself to be better, supporting your teammates, and representing our school with pride.

Olivia Hasselbach, CDS 2025 Graduate, Furman College Athlete

For teams coming to CDS for games, click here for directions to the Bearss Avenue Campus.

Home Fields

  • CDS home games/meets for Football, Soccer, and Baseball are held at the Wagner Athletic Complex on the Bearss Avenue campus.
  • CDS home Softball games and Middle School Cross-Country meets are held on South Beach at the Bearss Avenue campus.
  • CDS home Volleyball and Basketball games are held at the Hayes Family Gymnasium on the Bearss Avenue campus.
  • CDS home Golf matches are hosted at Cheval Golf and Athletic Club.
  • CDS home Swim meets are at Tampa Palms.
  • CDS Tennis home courts are at Cheval Golf and Athletic Club.

Visiting teams should contact CDS by telephone the day of their event for team bus entrance and parking instructions.
 

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