DME Academy Women’s Basketball will compete in the Grind Session Women’s Power Conference this season. The Grind Session is one of the premier high school basketball circuits, and DME enters with unfinished business after advancing to last year’s Grind Session championship final. The team went undefeated in the regular season before falling to Royal Crown School by a single point in the title game.
The Grind Session Women’s Power Conference is the top tier of the Grind Session, an elite winter circuit for prep and high school basketball programs. This invitation-only division includes 10 of the best teams from the United States and Canada. From November through March, programs compete in showcase events across North America, with results tracked in national standings.
The season concludes with a postseason championship in March. Games are broadcast on Tanager Sports TV and hosted at major venues across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about the Grind Session here.
The roster features a strong backcourt led by Gigi Battle, the reigning Grind Session Player of the Year, and Chikae Desdunes, whose leadership and two-way play bring balance to the lineup. They are joined by Micaela Cavalcanit, Sther Ubaka, Sara Okeke, and Timani Harris.
DME Academy will face the following teams in the Grind Session Women’s Power Conference:
Academy of Central Florida
Albuquerque Prep
Example Academy
Fort Erie International Academy
Grind Prep
Hamilton Heights Christian (TN)
Legion Prep (TX)
Life Prep
Royal Crown (CAN)
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a premier training and educational institution for student-athletes. With elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a culture that builds both skill and character, DME prepares athletes for success at the next level and beyond.
Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.
DME Academy proudly celebrates basketball coach Anthony Roberson. This fall he will return to his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan to be inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame.
Anthony Roberson, basketball coach and standout guard, first made his mark at Saginaw High School. He averaged 24 points per game as a junior. As a senior he raised his numbers to 30 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. His leadership carried Saginaw to the state semifinals. Meanwhile his talent earned him national recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 2002. By the end of his high school career, Roberson had scored 1,900 points. As a result he became a top recruit for programs across the country. Ultimately he chose the University of Florida to continue his journey.
At Florida, Roberson became one of the SEC’s most decorated players. His honors included SEC Tournament Champion, SEC Freshman of the Year, two-time AP All-American, two-time First-Team All-SEC, and All-SEC Tournament Team. Over three seasons he proved to be a key figure for the Gators. Afterward he pursued his professional aspirations.
Roberson’s professional career spanned the NBA, the D-League, and international play. His stops included Israel, France, China, and more.
The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame will host its induction banquet on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw. Learn more about the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame here.
Today, Anthony Roberson serves as a basketball coach at DME Academy, where he channels his experience and passion into developing young athletes. His career stands as a model of dedication and perseverance, inspiring the next generation to pursue excellence on and off the court.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a premier training and educational institution for dedicated student-athletes. With elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a culture that builds both skill and character, DME helps athletes succeed at the next level and beyond.
Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.
DME Academy is proud to welcome Coach Lauren Park-Lane to its girls basketball program. Her record-setting college career has left a lasting mark on the game. Now she inspires DME athletes every day, bringing elite experience and a passion for developing the next generation of players.
At Seton Hall University, Lauren Park-Lane wrote her own record book. She became the program’s single-season assist leader with 213 and finished her career with 2,223 points and 911 assists. She was also a three-time All-Big East First Team selection, twice unanimously. In addition, she averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game, ranking among the top scoring guards in the nation.
With one season of eligibility remaining, Park-Lane entered the transfer portal. Ranked No. 16 on ESPN’s list of available players, she chose to continue her career at Mississippi State.
At Mississippi State, Lauren Park-Lane continued her remarkable play. She ranked seventh nationally and led the SEC in assists with 213, marking her third straight season with more than 200 assists. She averaged 6.1 assists per game and was one of only three players nationally to reach that mark, alongside Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and Colorado State’s McKenna Hofschild.
Recently, Mississippi State coaches attended a DME Academy Girls Basketball open gym. During their visit, they surprised Park-Lane by presenting her with her framed game-worn jersey.
Now at DME Academy, Lauren Park-Lane brings her knowledge and passion to the Girls Basketball team. Her journey shows young athletes the dedication and determination it takes to excel at the highest level.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a premier training and educational institution for student-athletes. With elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a culture that builds both skill and character, DME prepares athletes for success at the next level and beyond.
Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.
DME Academy Varsity blanked TNXL Academy Varsity Ducks 7-0 on Monday as three pitchers combined for a dominant shutout. The victory was another strong showing for DME’s Florida baseball program, where pitching and power hitting continue to set the tone.
Konosuke Shimizu opened the game with confidence. The right-hander threw five shutout innings, allowing four hits while striking out four. Shiloh Gallimore and Jason Bruce came on in relief, each adding scoreless innings to complete the Florida baseball win. Gallimore sealed the shutout by striking out the final batter.
At the plate, Zach Kilian was unstoppable. He went four-for-four, hitting a home run in the fifth inning, doubling twice earlier in the game, and adding a single in the seventh. His bat drove in key runs and gave DME a commanding lead.
Other contributors included Aedan Connolly, who collected two hits and scored in the opening inning, and Ayumu Nakamura, who reached base twice and added an RBI. In addition, Shimizu lifted a sacrifice fly in the third inning to extend the lead.
DME’s offense opened the scoring in the first inning, capitalizing on singles and walks to build an early cushion. The team added another run in the third and three more in the fifth. By the end of the night, the lineup had produced seven runs on timely hits and disciplined at-bats.
Defensively, DME Academy Varsity turned a double play and kept TNXL from mounting any serious rally. Meanwhile, TNXL’s Braeden Gaffney managed two hits, but it wasn’t enough to break through against DME’s pitching staff.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to one of the state’s premier baseball programs. With elite coaching, year-round competition, and player development that prepares athletes for the next level, DME continues to build a tradition of excellence on the diamond.
Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to celebrate a former soccer standout, Mamadou Billo Diop, who was recently named the MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for August after a breakout performance with Colorado Rapids 2.
The 18-year-old striker delivered a dominant month, scoring six goals and recording one assist across five appearances. Diop kicked off August with a brace against defending MLS NEXT Pro champions North Texas SC and followed it up with the first hat trick of his professional career in a win over Austin FC II. That three-goal performance also earned him MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek (Week 23) honors.
Since signing his first professional contract with Colorado Rapids 2 in March 2025, Diop has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers. He has tallied 12 goals and two assists this season, leading his team in both categories and ranking tied for fourth overall in MLS NEXT Pro for goals scored.
“The recognition Billo has earned speaks volumes about both his individual progress and the competitive environment within Rapids 2,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager. “His ability to grow into a key contributor at such a young age is a testament to his work ethic and the support system around him.”
Diop’s rapid rise from DME Academy standout to MLS NEXT Pro star underscores DME’s mission of preparing student-athletes to succeed at the next level, whether in college athletics or the professional game.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – On Sunday, September 7, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) welcomed 122 new incoming players to the league, and a DME Academy alumnus was among the first selected.
Class of 2020 graduate Dalph Panopio was selected No. 3 overall by Blackwater in the first round of the PBA Draft held at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Metro Manila, Philippines.
After his standout career at DME Academy, Panopio continued his basketball and academic journey at NCAA Division I Cal State Bakersfield, where he averaged 15 minutes per game and added 4.1 points per game on .496 shooting from the field.
Panopio’s journey from DME Academy to Division I basketball and now to the highest level of professional competition in the Philippines is a testament to his dedication and talent. His success also reinforces DME’s proven track record of preparing athletes for success at the collegiate and professional levels.
About DME AcademyDME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce the additions of David Proctor and Stewart Flaherty as head coaches for the boys’ soccer program. With decades of combined experience in professional, collegiate, and academy soccer, Proctor and Flaherty bring elite expertise to DME’s student-athletes.
Proctor most recently served as head coach of the Savannah Clovers in the NISA league, guiding the club to the 2023 NISA Independent Cup (Southern Region) championship. His U.S. coaching career has included academy positions with MLS franchises Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew, where he helped develop players such as U.S. Men’s National Team star Sam Vines. Proctor also worked as an assistant with Nashville SC during their inaugural USL Championship season, which was highlighted by an upset win over MLS side Colorado Rapids in U.S. Open Cup play.
A product of the Aston Villa academy, Proctor played professionally in various levels of English Football with Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Halifax Town before finishing his career in the U.S. with Indiana Blast and Richmond Kickers.
“David’s experience in both youth academies and the professional ranks is an excellent fit for our program,” said Thomas Baudinet, Athletic Director, DME Academy. “He understands player development at every level and what it takes to succeed at the highest stages of the game.”
Flaherty brings 17 years of NCAA coaching experience across Divisions I, II, and III, as well as a NISA national championship with the Michigan Stars. After taking over midseason, he led the Stars to clean sheets in 12 of 13 games and a flawless playoff run. His collegiate coaching career included posts at Felician University, Bates College, and Dartmouth College, where he developed numerous players who went on to professional careers.
Beyond the college game, Flaherty spent eight summers with USL League 2’s Portland Phoenix, helping develop more than 60 future professionals, including MLS veteran Wyatt Omsberg. Most recently, he coached in Texas, leading an expansion team to a 7-4-1 record and moving striker Pato Botello-Faz into the professional ranks with Union Omaha (USL 1). A qualified Sport Psychologist, Flaherty also consults with athletes across 17 sports, including UFC fighters and world-class boxers.
“Stewart was one of the first calls I made after taking over the DME program,” said Coach Proctor. “We coached in NISA at the same time, and his teams were always among the most organized in the league. We share similar values, and I am confident he will help us achieve our goals.”
With the addition of Proctor and Flaherty, DME Academy continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in soccer development, preparing athletes to excel at the collegiate and professional levels.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – At DME Academy, the start of the 2025-26 baseball campaign is right around the corner, and head coach Michael Mains is armed with a roster that reflects both local talent and international reach. With a history of developing student-athletes who go on to compete at the NCAA Division I and professional levels, DME’s baseball program is poised for another competitive year.
The 2025 squad features a strong core of returning players paired with a talented international group. The team is set to compete in a 20-game fall schedule that includes two Perfect Game tournaments before entering an expanded spring slate highlighted by Florida Independent Schools Association (FISA) competition and a push for a playoff championship.
“We’re super excited,” said Mains. “Our group is young but focused—mostly 9th–11th graders—and we expect to compete at a varsity level. We over-performed last year, and I think we’re better this year.”
DME’s roster now represents multiple countries, fulfilling the Academy’s vision of building a truly global program. Players from Japan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas will suit up this season.
“Our international players have fit in really well,” Main said. “We’ve got two from Japan on campus now and a player from Mexico, with two more internationals arriving soon. It’s already opening a new audience for us; we’ve gained 20–30 new Japanese followers this week alone.”
Among the standouts this year is Zack Killian, who earned recognition on the Perfect Game All-State team.
“Zack’s selection is a big deal and a reflection of the work he’s put in,” said Main. “We’re excited to see how his development continues this season.”
DME kicks off the season on the road on September 11 at 12 p.m. when they head to Ocoee, Florida, to face off against TNXL Academy.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, FL —DME Academy is proud to welcome Ryan Hampton, one of the nation’s premier basketball prospects, to our boys’ basketball program. Hampton is a five-star junior and ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2027. He will compete in Daytona Beach for the next two seasons.
The 6-foot-7 guard/wing is the younger brother of NBA guard RJ Hampton. Like his brother, Ryan has quickly become one of the most recruited players in the country. He already holds offers from Kansas, USC, Louisville, Villanova, Memphis, Auburn, and several other top programs.
Hampton brings championship experience to DME. After beginning his career at Rockwall-Heath High School (TX), he spent time at South Central Prep (OK) before playing for Jermaine O’Neal’s Dynamic Prep (TX). There, he helped lead the program to a runner-up finish at the prestigious Chipotle Nationals.
On the Nike EYBL circuit with Drive Nation, Hampton stood out as one of the most efficient scorers in the country, averaging more than 25 points per game this summer.
“Ryan is a special talent, and he comes from a great family,” said DME Head Coach Matt Panaggio. “We are excited to get a chance to help him continue to grow and reach his potential here at DME for the next two years.”
With his athleticism, length, and ability to score at all three levels, Hampton will make an immediate impact. He strengthens an already talented roster and will help DME as we look to defend our state championship this season.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona, FL. DME Academy’s volleyball program took another step forward this past weekend, traveling to Puerto Rico for a competitive tournament that delivered both strong opponents and valuable development opportunities.
“Our courts always had a crowd in front of them,” said Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez. “We were able to introduce DME to new faces and make an immediate impression.”
DME opened the weekend with a statement win over the top-ranked team in Puerto Rico. Every match went to a tie-breaker set, highlighting the tournament’s overall competitiveness and the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure. DME closed out the weekend by securing first place in the Silver Division.
“We’re still early in our process,” Sanchez said. “There’s a lot of work to do from a development standpoint, but this weekend accelerated that work. We got better.”
The trip was also an opportunity to strengthen our presence in a new region. The team faced off against top-level talent and competed with discipline and purpose. From warmups to walk-throughs, DME’s identity as a development-first program was on display.
“Every match was a battle,” Sanchez said. “But even more important was the way we carried ourselves throughout the weekend, on the court, in the gym, and around the community.”
The group found the right balance between competition and team time, with opportunities to enjoy local food, explore Old San Juan, and stay on track academically through structured study hall sessions. The trip reinforced DME’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and growth in every area.
Juanita stood out for her leadership and consistency, setting the tone for how the group trained, studied, and stayed locked in throughout the weekend.
Despite facing adversity, the group stayed composed. They adjusted in real time, supported one another, and showed signs of what’s possible when the foundation is built the right way.
“We have a special group,” said Sanchez. “They’re still learning how I want them to play. But they’re bought in — and we’re building something strong.”
DME Academy’s volleyball program is built for serious athletes who want to train at a high level, compete nationally and internationally, and grow on and off the court. With experienced coaches, a proven development model, and access to elite facilities, this is where potential turns into performance.
Explore the DME Volleyball Program or Schedule a Campus Tour