Carrollwood Day School Alumni Association

CDS has always been a close-knit community, but sometimes we're reminded just how far that community reaches.

When Brandon Cleveland '22 joined the Vegas Raiders, he was surprised to discover that one of the team's assistant strength and conditioning coaches was fellow CDS alumnus Deuce Gruden '12.

From CDS to the NFL, it's a reminder that no matter where life takes us, Patriot connections can show up in the most unexpected places. What a small world!

🔴⚫️⚪️ MONDAY MILESTONE: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT ⚪️⚫️🔴
Carrollwood Day School alumna Willow Albergo ’13 has turned her lifelong passion for movement into a career focused on wellness, coaching, and helping athletes and dancers perform at their best. Now working as a Pilates instructor and assistant college dance team coach, Willow continues to inspire others while carrying forward the values and community she first experienced at CDS. Click the link in our highlights “Spotlights” to read more about Willow! https://www.cdspatriots.org/cds-alumna-willow-albergo-13

🔴⚫️⚪️ MONDAY MILESTONE: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT ⚪️⚫️🔴
For Chris Mañé '13, Carrollwood Day School has always been more than a school. It has been a constant through every stage of life. Nearly three decades after first walking into the ECC as a student, Chris now watches his daughter Charlotte walk through those same doors, experiencing the same sense of belonging, character, and community that shaped his own journey from CDS student to business leader and father. Click the link to read more about Chris! https://www.cdspatriots.org/rooted-in-community-chris-mane-13-brings-the-next-generation-back-to-cds

Liam Stevenson ’22 returned to campus to celebrate the 5th Grade Move-Up Ceremony and cheer on his first grade Patriot Buddy, Brooks, as he finished his last day of elementary school. From little buddies to lifelong Patriot connections, moments like these remind us what community is all about!

In honor of CDS Graduation this Friday, please join us in welcoming the Class of 2026 to the CDS Alumni Association! The Class of 2026 will continue their journeys across 19 different states, and we cannot wait to see all that lies ahead for them. To the Class of 2026: wherever you go next, you carry a piece of CDS with you.

Congratulations to Rachel Stevenson ’18 on marrying Zachary Pelikan on April 18, 2026 at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay! Wishing the newlyweds a lifetime filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories together.

🔴⚫️⚪️ MONDAY MILESTONE: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT ⚪️⚫️🔴
Not every path is linear, and Stevie Schweitzer ’16 is the first to tell you that’s exactly the point. Her story unfolds through a series of thoughtful pivots, each one bringing her closer to work that feels both meaningful and true to who she is becoming. Click the link to read more about Stevie! https://www.cdspatriots.org/finding-her-fit-stevie-schweitzer-16-on-growth-change-and-building-a-career-that-feels-right

Join us Friday, May 29 at 5 PM for pickleball, food, drinks, and CDS alumni swag. RSVP now via the “Events” link in our Story Highlights. See you there!

There is something special about seeing the next generation of leaders return to the community that helped shape them. At this year’s CDS Dads Club Golf Outing, that connection was on full display. Brandon Cleveland ’22 took the mic to share how CDS shaped his journey, reminding us all why this community matters. We were also proud to welcome back Eduardo Carreno-Olivo ’21, who returned as a successful entrepreneur to support the event with ci**rs from his company, Auremio.

Last week, we celebrated our seniors and welcomed them to the CDS Alumni Association at the Senior Send-Off Brunch. Alumnus and current CDS parent Chris Mañé ’13 shared how the CDS community shapes students beyond the classroom through strong relationships and lasting connections.
As our newest alumni begin their next chapter, his advice: take risks, stay connected, and carry the CDS legacy forward.