Daytona Beach, FL —Families searching for schools in Daytona now have a powerful new option at DME Academy. Known for elite athletics and academics, DME is launching a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the global leader in aviation and STEM education. Backed by a Gaetz Grant, this initiative expands access to STEM opportunities for students across Florida.
Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, DME middle school students will join Embry-Riddle’s BUILD program. This pathway introduces key concepts such as aerodynamics, aerospace, and the Magnus Effect through hands-on projects. Students will design and program machines using robotics kits, Python, JavaScript, and block coding. High school students will build on that foundation by applying Newton’s Laws to real-world scenarios.
“Students will have the opportunity to step into the batting cages and see their lessons in action,” said Stacy Atkinson, Principal at DME Academy. “Even more, the program opens doors to careers in aerospace, from engineering and programming to marketing and operations.”
Amanda Silva, Central Florida Regional Director at Embry-Riddle, added: “Try as many things as you can. The worst outcome is you don’t like it. That’s how you find what truly excites you.”
Access to Campus, Credentials, and College Credit
DME students will visit Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus, touring departments like A&P and Mechanical Engineering. Teachers will receive specialized training and certifications, while guest lectures from Embry-Riddle faculty and a retired Air Force veteran will enrich the program.
As students progress, they can earn FAA certifications, including the small unmanned aircraft certification, and may qualify for dual-credit courses and potential college scholarships.
This partnership allows DME to provide a competitive edge for students, whether they pursue athletics, STEM careers, or both. With hands-on experience, real credentials, and new exposure to future opportunities, DME Academy continues to lead in student development on and off the field.
Explore how DME Academy is shaping the future of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom.
DME Academy Volleyball is ready for a season filled with high expectations. The program continues to grow in strength and visibility. This year’s team has three clear goals: improve skills, prepare athletes for college, and raise the DME Volleyball brand on a bigger stage.
Games To Watch
Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez has built a schedule that will test the team from the start. “We don’t play any easy matches,” Sanchez said. “Every match will be a challenge.”
Even so, fans can expect especially competitive battles against New Smyrna Beach, The Rock School, and the Academy of Central Florida.
Players To Watch
This year’s roster combines experienced leaders with new impact players. Seniors Juanita Hernandez and Marianna Castaño return as anchors of the squad, bringing steady play and strong leadership. As a result, they will be vital in guiding the group through tough stretches of the season.
In addition, Giovanna Menegazzo adds speed and power with her aggressive style of play. Meanwhile, Aniya Legget, now part of the 10-Foot Club, will impress with her vertical leap and attacking skills.
Co-founder Dan Panaggio sees big things ahead. “We have a core of returning players who know how to compete at a high level,” Panaggio said. “With this talent and Coach Alvaro’s leadership, we believe this team can do something special.”
With veteran leadership, exciting new talent, and a challenging schedule, DME Academy Volleyball looks ready to deliver a standout 2025–26 season.
DME Academy is proud to welcome Lance Morgan as our new Director of Student Life. This role is key to shaping the student experience beyond the classroom and court. With a heart for mentorship and a global perspective, Lance is already making an impact across campus.
Lance’s journey spans continents. He grew up in both Papua New Guinea and South Florida before attending college in Arkansas. “That mix of cultures, experiences, and community really shaped who I am,” he shared. This background now fuels his passion for building connections among DME’s diverse student body.
As Director of Student Life, Lance leads all aspects of student culture outside the classroom. His responsibilities include dorm life, student events, community standards, mentorship, and personal development programs. He works closely with RAs, coaches, and academic staff to ensure students are supported, challenged, and guided toward leadership.
He values integrity, self-discipline, curiosity, community, and work ethic. The same pillars that define DME’s mission.
“I also believe in grace and accountability,” he said. “Students need support, but they also need clear expectations and the tools to rise to them.”
Lance is already bringing new energy and structure to student life at DME. His plans include expanding initiatives like IGNITE, The Bridge (connecting international students with local families), and Championing Champions (a volunteer program for adult mentors).
His goal is to foster stronger bonds between dorm houses, build unity among local and boarding students, and help every student take ownership of their personal growth.
“What drew me to this role,” Lance said, “was the opportunity to walk alongside students from all over the world during a transformative time in their lives.” A longtime mentor and advocate for student-athletes, he’s passionate about helping young people discover their influence and potential.
“I love seeing the lightbulb go on — when students begin to realize the kind of impact they can have on others. It’s powerful to witness, and I’m honored to be part of that process.”
If you’re exploring options for your child’s education, discover how DME Academy’s Day School combines rigorous academics, elite athletics, and a vibrant student life. Learn more about our Daytona Beach private school programs and see how we help students excel on and off the field.
Learn More About DME Day School
Girls soccer at DME Academy is already making moves in the 2025–26 season. Just days after their opening match, the team is building on the work they put in last year and the summer training that kept players sharp. With returning experience and new talent, the program is positioned to compete at a high level.
Last season provided a solid platform for growth, and that momentum carried into the offseason. Preseason served as a vital period for regaining match fitness, integrating new players, and reinforcing the team’s established training model.
While the preseason period focused on growth and team chemistry, it also offered a clear evaluation point. Coaches observed which players maintained their conditioning and commitment over the summer.
“It usually takes a few sessions to knock off the cobwebs, but that initial adjustment period tells us a lot,” says Head Coach Kioki Hutchings.
As training sessions progress, the energy ramps up. Effort increases, intensity rises, and the coaching staff begins pushing players toward their full potential.
“By the end of the first week, we usually start getting the most out of the players,” Coach Kioki adds. “That’s when things start to really come together.”
As training sessions progressed, energy and intensity ramped up. Effort levels rose, and the coaching staff began pushing players toward their full potential.
“By the end of the first week, we usually start getting the most out of the players,” Hutchings adds. “That’s when things start to really come together.”
The focus is not just on conditioning but on smart preparation for the competitive calendar ahead. “We spend a lot of time making sure the players’ bodies are capable of competing at a high level,” Hutchings explains. “Now that the regular season is underway, we’ve shifted toward tactical preparation.”
With match fitness on the rise and a growing sense of team unity, DME Academy girls soccer has set a strong tone for the season ahead. The work done over the summer and in preseason is already paying off — and the team is ready to build on it in the matches to come.
DME Academy, a premier Daytona Beach high school, believes that true growth happens both on and off the court. Our new program, The Bridge, helps international student-athletes feel at home while strengthening ties with the local community.
Building Meaningful Connections at a Daytona Beach High School
Through The Bridge, local families volunteer to become “Bridge Families” and are paired with one or two international students. Families support students through meals, outings, attending games, or simply being a friendly, familiar face. These connections help students adjust to life in the United States and feel part of a family away from home.
Flexible and Impactful for Families and Students
Participation in The Bridge is flexible. Families can host monthly dinners, attend games, or check in regularly — whatever fits their schedule. Each interaction offers students cultural exchange, mentorship, and emotional support while giving families the opportunity to learn from different cultures.
Benefits for Everyone Involved
International students gain comfort, cultural understanding, and a strong sense of belonging. Families enjoy cultural enrichment and build lasting friendships with student-athletes from around the world.
How to Get Involved
Families interested in joining The Bridge can contact Lance Morgan, Director of Student Life, at lance.morgan@dmesports.com.
The Bridge is more than a program — it’s how we turn strangers into family. Join us in creating a welcoming home for every student-athlete at DME Academy, a Daytona Beach high school that values community as much as competition.
Daytona Beach, FL –DME Academy Basketball continues to expand under the leadership of Matt and Michael Panaggio. As head coaches of the boys and girls programs, they bring a player-focused approach built on structure, development, and college exposure.
Matt and Michael Panaggio grew up surrounded by basketball. Their experience as coaches and former players helps guide how they develop athletes. At DME, they’ve created a training environment focused on accountability, consistency, and long-term growth.
“We grew up in a family that loved basketball,” said Matt Panaggio. “Mike had his dad pushing him. I had our grandfather. That structure helped us grow as athletes and as people.”
The program now includes post-grad options and stronger relationships with college programs. These efforts give athletes a better chance to get recruited and compete beyond high school.
“My biggest role is to mentor, lead, and push student-athletes to reach their full potential,” said Michael Panaggio.
Every training session at DME Academy Basketball reinforces effort, focus, and discipline. Athletes are expected to show up ready to compete and improve. These habits shape players and prepare them for what comes next.
The results speak for themselves. The program continues to attract talent and attention nationwide.
If you’re ready for high-level coaching and a path to the next level, the DME Academy Basketball program offers the support and structure to help you grow.
Explore the basketball program
Daytona, FL. Eighteen-year-old DME Academy soccer program alum Yan Diomande has signed with Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig. The deal, finalized this week, follows Diomande’s impressive run with CD Leganés in Spain’s top division. The reported transfer fee is around €20 million, making him one of the most valuable transfers in Leganés history.
This move highlights the steady rise of a player who has been on the radar since his time at DME Academy.
It’s a big move, but not a surprising one for those who’ve followed his rise.
Before heading to Europe, Diomande stood out in the United States Premier League, where he led the league in goals and earned attention for his athleticism, composure, and technical skill.
Leganés signed him in January 2025. Just weeks later, he made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid. He went on to earn starts against Barcelona, Mallorca, and Girona, proving himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
RB Leipzig, known for developing top youth talent, sees Diomande as a strong fit for their style of play.
“With Yan Diomande, we’ve signed an absolute top talent,” said Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer. “He’s a left winger with outstanding pace, strong dribbling, athleticism, and a real finishing instinct. He never loses the ball and plays a very team-oriented game. With these qualities, he’s a perfect fit for our style of play.”
Diomande will wear the number 49 shirt in his first Bundesliga season.
DME Academy is proud to have provided the foundation for Yan Diomande to reach his dream. The right environment, coaching, and daily standards are key to long-term success at the next level.
If you’re ready to elevate your game, click the link below and take the first step.
Explore the soccer program at DME Academy
Daytona Beach, FL — DME Academy, known for elite athletics and academic excellence, is proud to announce a new partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As a global leader in aviation and STEM education—and recently ranked No. 1 in innovation—Embry-Riddle brings unmatched opportunity to DME through a Gaetz Grant-funded initiative. This partnership expands access to STEM programs across Florida.
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, DME middle school students will take part in Embry-Riddle’s BUILD program. This aviation pathway introduces students to aerodynamics, aerospace, and the Magnus Effect through hands-on learning. For example, students will build and program machines using robotics kits, Python, JavaScript, and block coding.
In high school, students will go deeper. They’ll explore scientific concepts like Newton’s Laws and apply them to real-world situations—bridging classroom learning with active exploration.
“Students will have the opportunity to go into the batting cages and see what they’ve learned in motion,” said Stacy Atkinson, Principal at DME Academy. “More importantly, the program introduces students to careers in aerospace, from engineering and programming to marketing and operations.”
“Try as many things as you can,” said Amanda Silva, Central Florida Regional Director at Embry-Riddle. “The worst thing that happens is you don’t like it. That’s how you find what you actually want to do.”
DME students will visit Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus, touring departments like A&P and Mechanical Engineering. Teachers will receive specialized training and certifications, while guest lectures from Embry-Riddle faculty and a retired Air Force veteran will enrich the program.
As students progress, they can earn FAA certifications, including the small unmanned aircraft certification, and may qualify for dual-credit courses and potential college scholarships.
This partnership allows DME to provide a competitive edge for students, whether they pursue athletics, STEM careers, or both. With hands-on experience, real credentials, and new exposure to future opportunities, DME Academy continues to lead in student development on and off the field.
Explore how DME Academy is shaping the future of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom.
Daytona, FL. Two former DME Academy athletes took the international spotlight this summer at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland. Mikel Brown Jr. 25’ (USA) and Savo Drezgic 24’ (Serbia) were both selected to represent their national teams. They competed against the world’s best in one of the most prestigious youth basketball tournaments.
Both guards used the opportunity to showcase their growth, skill, and readiness for the next level. Their performances further highlighted DME Academy’s role in preparing athletes for elite competition.
Mikel Brown Jr., an incoming freshman at the University of Louisville, was a key contributor in Team USA’s gold medal run. He averaged 14.9 points and 6.1 assists per game across seven contests. Brown led the team in both categories. He also shot 48 percent from the field, 48.8 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent from the free throw line.
He delivered multiple standout performances. That included 20 points and 8 assists against Canada in the quarterfinals, and 12 points and 4 assists in the gold medal game against Germany. His consistency and leadership earned him a spot on the tournament’s SwissBorg All-Star Five.
Savo Drezgic, who recently completed his freshman season at the University of Georgia, made a strong impression for Team Serbia during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. The 6’4″ point guard averaged 16.3 points per game. He shot 41.9 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from three, and 87.9 percent from the free throw line.
In Serbia’s Round-of-16 game against eventual silver medalist Germany, Drezgic scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. This performance earned him recognition as one of the Top Five Round‑of‑16 Performers at the tournament. He followed that with 18 points and 10 assists in a win over France, helping his team finish ninth overall.
Before the World Cup, Drezgic signed with Mega Superbet, a professional basketball team based in Belgrade. The former Georgia guard now returns to his native Serbia to begin his professional career.
Mikel and Savo are two examples of what’s possible with the right foundation. At DME Academy, athletes receive high-level coaching, exposure to elite competition, and a development system designed to prepare them for the next level.
If you’re ready to elevate your game, start your journey with us. Click here to speak to a student advisor today!
Daytona FL. DME Academy is strengthening its academy soccer program with the leadership of Kioki Hutchings, Director and Head Coach of the Girls Soccer Program. Since joining the staff, Coach Kioki has been instrumental in building the structure and culture of both the boys and girls teams.
A former NCAA Division II athlete at Lander University, Coach Kioki went on to play semi-professional soccer with multiple clubs. His playing career shaped his approach to coaching—focused on work ethic, accountability, and leadership development.
Since his arrival, the program has expanded to include two boys teams and one girls team. Each team reflects a commitment to high standards, discipline, and a shared goal of long-term success within the academy soccer environment.
“Lift your teammates through thick and thin,” said Coach Kioki. “Not everyone is going to have a great game every time. Take responsibility.”
Coach Kioki focuses on building complete athletes—both on and off the field. His coaching emphasizes core values such as trust, responsibility, and leadership. He promotes a team-first mindset while allowing room for individual creativity and growth.
“Hold yourself and your peers accountable when you could be doing more to reach our common goals,” he said. “Off the field, I expect players to understand that every action has a reaction.”
As the program continues to grow, Coach Kioki remains committed to raising the standard of academy soccer at DME. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the future is promising for student-athletes looking to compete at the next level.
To learn more about DME Academy’s soccer program, visit our website.