Coaches Thoughts
“Romain joins us as a transfer from VCU where he had a lot of success. He knows how to win and what it is like to be a part of a successful team, and he has already made a positive impact here at Clemson on the court and for our culture. We consider ourselves very lucky to be the place where he has decided to finish his last 2 years of his career, and we think that he will continue to improve in his time here.”
Career Accolades
- Ranked as high as 31 in the ITA Doubles Rankings with doubles partner Max Damm in the 2024-25 season (at Clemson)
- Ranked in the top 120 in ITA National Singles Rankings during the 2024-25 season, ranked as high as No. 98 (at VCU)
- All-Atlantic 10 First Team in 2022-23 (at VCU)
- 2022-23: Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week Honors: Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 14, March 8, March 28, April 26 (at VCU)
- 2025 All-ACC Academic Team
- 2025-26 NCAA Singles All-American
- Reached NCAA Singles Tournament Round of 16 (2025-26)
- Ranked as high as 26 in the ITA National Singles Rankings (2026)
2025-26 at Clemson (Senior)
As one of the most experienced players on the roster, Gales put together a stellar fall campaign, dropping just two matches. His performance allowed him to qualify for the NCAA Singles Tournament, where he advanced to the Round of 16 and was named an NCAA Singles All-American. Gales became the 18th Tiger to earn the honor in singles an is the first to do so since Clement Reix (2006).
2024-25 at Clemson (Junior)
Gales put together an impressive campaign in his first season at Clemson, earning 20 wins in both singles and doubles. His performance in singles earned him a ranking in the top 120 of the ITA Singles rankings during the season. Together, he and doubles partner Max Damm earned a ranking of 31 competing on court two for the Tigers. Gales helped propel the Tigers into the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals and into the NCAA Tournament Second Round for the first time since 2013.
Senior Season Records - 2025-26 (Clemson)
Singles Record: 14-6
Doubles Record: 7-5
Junior Season Records – 2024-25 (Clemson)
Singles Record: 20-11
Doubles Record: 20-11
Sophomore Season Records – 2023-24 (VCU)
Singles Record: 25-9
Doubles record: 16-17
Freshman Season Records – 2022-2023 (VCU)
Singles Record: 17-4
Doubles Record: 16 wins
Personal
Majoring in Communications
Why Clemson?
“I chose Clemson because of the Coaches, facilities and felt overall support from the staff.”