Upon graduating from Hanna High School in 1970, Raul’s high school football coach, Joe Rodriguez, recommended him for an Athletic Training Scholarship at Pan American University. He earned a bachelor’s degree majoring in Math, History and Physical Education. Upon graduation he earned his athletic training state licensure.

Raul began his athletic training career with Harlingen High School in 1974 when he was hired by Jesse Longhofer and quickly became known as “Doc Z”. In 1982 Richard Flores hired him as the athletic trainer at Edinburg High School until he returned to Harlingen in 1989. He retired in 2015 from his public school trainer’s career after 41 years of service for two of the most competitive athletic sports programs in South Texas. After his retirement he continued to serve as a consultant trainer for schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Throughout his career Doc Z had a profound impact on the lives of many athletes and student trainers—many of whom are following in his footsteps.

Throughout his professional career Zamarripa became a contributing member of professional organizations which include National Athletic Trainers Association, the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association and the Valley Athletic Trainers Association. He served as Regional Director for TSATA, as well as President of VATA. He continued to work with various committees to promote the importance and the need of athletic trainers in the high school setting.

Zamarripa is the recipient of the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association John Harvey Humanitarian Award, the City of Palms Hall of Honor Award, and the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association Meet of Champions Hall of Honor Award. In 2013 he was inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame. He was named the THSCA Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2015, and was named to the Valley Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2020, Raul was inducted into the Hall of Honor by the Texas State Athletic Trainer Association (TSATA).