Daytona Beach, FL – On May 25, 2023, DME Academy and St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA) announced an exciting new partnership between the two academic institutions.
Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, DME and SJNA will work together to amplify the sports program at St. John’s Northwestern in Delafield, Wisconsin. The joint venture kicks off with 11-year NBA veteran Wesley Person, currently at DME Academy in Daytona, Florida, bringing the successful DME basketball academy to SJNA. This move is the beginning of what both academies expect to be a deeper relationship whereby DME Academy will lead and grow more sports programs at the SJNA campus.
“We are so excited to partner with DME Academy,” said Bob Fine, President of SJNA. “They bring an instantly recognizable sports name to boost our already strong academic and athletic programs here at St. John’s Northwestern. Together with DME, the program has never been in safer hands, and the power of the two brands will provide our student-athletes with a pathway for success both on and off the court.”
The basketball brand of St. John’s Northwestern will be on show this summer at the 2023 NBA Draft by Brandin Podziemski ’21. The Lancer great is projected to be drafted in the first round and was named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Co-Player of the Year during his time at Santa Clara University. At SJNA, Podziemski racked up over 2,000 career points, was a three-time All-State honoree, and in 2021 he earned the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball, along with the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year.
DME Academy has quickly grown its Daytona campus from 75 to 225 full-time student-athletes over the past three years, built on a reputation for delivering a world-class experience. DME will be bringing in its elite admissions and recruiting team, which features an international arm, experienced coaches, support staff, relationships, and pathway opportunities for all student-athletes.
On the court, DME also brings with them a proven history of preparing players to excel at the top levels of the game. Just this season, DME Academy alumni Keegan Murray was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft and has broken into the scene in a huge way, smashing the all-time record for made three-pointers by a rookie with 206.
“As DME continues to grow, it’s essential to find the right partners that share our vision for providing a better experience for student-athletes. SJNA has a beautiful campus, academic success, great facilities, committed staff, and the shared belief that together we can accomplish more. We are ready to collaborate and bring the best of both institutions to the table,” stated Dan Panaggio, Founder of DME Academy.
With the new partnership, student-athletes who choose to join the “DME at SJNA” program will also have the opportunity to tap into SJNA’s 140 years of academic excellence, including dual enrollment college and AP courses, STEM curriculum, leadership development, and a top-level aviation program.
To learn more or apply to be a part of the DME at SJNA partnership in Delafield, Wisconsin click here:
Founded in 1884, St. John’s Northwestern Academies develops young men and women inspired to become responsible citizens and moral and ethical leaders for the global community through excellence in Academics, Leadership Skills, Spiritual and Character Development, and well-being through Athletic Activities and Healthy Life Habits. For more information, visit sjnacademies.org.
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Walk down the red carpet for DME Academy’s 2023 graduation. Daytona Beach’s very own DME Academy recently hosted its much-anticipated 2023 graduation ceremony, a joyous occasion that celebrated the remarkable accomplishments and promising futures of its graduating class. With a resounding sense of pride and excitement, students, faculty, families, and esteemed guests gathered to honor the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. The ceremony showcased the collective spirit of excellence that defines DME Academy and marked the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates. This year’s graduation was DME’s biggest yet with 46 seniors walking across the stage!
DME Academy’s 2023 graduation exuded an air of celebration and accomplishment. As each graduate proudly walked across the stage, adorned in their caps and gowns, their years of dedication and commitment were acknowledged and celebrated. The room was filled with applause, cheers, and tears of joy, as families and friends witnessed their loved ones receive their diplomas, a tangible representation of their academic and athletic achievement as the doors of opportunity now stand open before them.
The event was graced by the inspiring speeches of both students and guest speakers, who imparted wisdom, encouragement, and reflection to the graduating class. Dan Panaggio, CEO, and Maria Burgos, Head of School at DME Academy, emphasized the importance of embracing challenges, cultivating resilience, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey, and thank you for sharing the good, the amazing, and the difficult pieces of your chapter,” says Burgos. “I am a better person because of you. Please know that I am here as I was since the first day of September, and I will be here for you always. So now I say to you: I love you and I will see you soon. Mrs. B.”
Their words echoed throughout the auditorium, resonating deeply with both graduates and those in attendance, leaving a lasting impression that will guide the students as they embark on their respective journeys beyond DME Academy.
The graduation ceremony exemplified the rich diversity and unity that characterizes the school community. Graduates from various backgrounds, cultures, countries, and interests came together to celebrate their achievements as a collective whole. The event served as a testament to the power of inclusion, collaboration, and mutual respect. Values that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of DME Academy. This unity fostered an environment where students not only grew academically but also developed a team-like bond since sports are such a huge part of their lives at DME.
Among the notable highlights of the ceremony were the captivating speeches delivered by Baraka Okojie and Tessa Engelman, two exceptional graduates who embody the very essence of DME Academy. Baraka’s speech exuded leadership, as he encouraged his fellow graduates to take responsibility for their actions and to make a positive impact on the world around them. Tessa’s address, on the other hand, emphasized the significance of making friends from all over the world.
“What does DME stand for?” asked Engleman of the audience. “Do More Everyday. This a perfect summary of what we all expected from this school. We all came here to be able to train more every day, get better every day, and get a little closer to our goals every day. We were right. However, what many of us didn’t expect in coming here was that we would get so much more than rigorous training and a high school diploma. We would get to meet friends from all over the world that we will have for the rest of our lives!”
Both Baraka and Tessa served as inspiring role models, showcasing the transformative power of a DME education and leaving a lasting mark on all in attendance.
As the graduates bid farewell to their alma mater, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and values instilled by DME Academy. The 2023 graduation ceremony marked not just an end but also a new beginning—an exciting chapter in the lives of these young individuals. Armed with the strong foundation and unwavering support received at DME Academy, the graduates are now poised to pursue their passions, contribute to their communities, and make their mark on the world.
Congratulations to the DME Academy Class of 2023!
Want to be a part of the ever-growing DME Academy? Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 school year! Learn more here!
Staying active is a crucial part of any baseball player’s off-season. Despite high school seasons coming to an end, athletes in Florida are fortunate enough to be able to train year-round at DME Academy! Here are the main things you should keep in mind during your summer baseball training from our Director of Baseball, Michael Main!
Strength and conditioning: Baseball student-athletes need to maintain their strength and conditioning during the summer. This can include a combination of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and cardiovascular activities. Emphasize exercises that target key muscle groups used in baseball, such as your core, legs, and upper body.
Skill development: At DME, we encourage our student-athletes to continue practicing their baseball skills during the summer. This includes hitting, throwing, fielding, and base-running drills. DME encourages our baseball players to practice with their teammates to boost competition and chemistry.
Flexibility and mobility: We can’t stress this enough, you NEED to stay flexible. We love seeing our athletes incorporating activities such as stretching, yoga, and mobility exercises into their routines. Flexibility and mobility can help prevent injuries, improve performance and enhance overall athleticism on the baseball diamond.
We understand many of you are in a hurry to strengthen your skills. But rest and recovery days are just as important as training days. Prioritizing rest lets your body recover to prevent burnout. With rest and recovery also comes proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep (NO ALL-NIGHT VIDEO GAME SESSIONS!).
Interested in training properly this upcoming Summer? Check out our upcoming Summer Prep camp!
Here is a sample baseball summer training plan written by DME Academy’s Director of Baseball, Michael Main for student-athletes. This program incorporates strength and conditioning, skill development, flexibility and mobility:
Strength and Conditioning (3-4 times per week):
Warm-up: Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up, including exercises such as jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and lunges.
Resistance Training: Include exercises that target major muscle groups used in baseball, such as squats, lunges, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, and rows. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise, progressively increasing weight as appropriate.
Core Training: Incorporate core exercises such as planks, Russian twists, medicine ball throws, and stability ball exercises. Aim for 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps or holds.
Plyometrics: Include explosive exercises like box jumps, medicine ball slams, and lateral bounds to improve power and athleticism. Perform 2-3 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise.
Skill Development (3-4 times per week):
Hitting: Practice various hitting drills, including tee work, soft toss and live batting practice. Focus on technique, bat speed, and pitch recognition.
Throwing: Work on throwing mechanics, accuracy, and arm strength. Incorporate long toss drills, throwing against a wall, and partner drills.
Fielding: Practice fielding ground balls, pop-ups and working on footwork. Incorporate different fielding scenarios and positions to develop versatility.
Base-running: Work on speed, agility and base-running techniques. Include drills like sprint intervals, cone drills and baserunning simulations.
Flexibility and Mobility (3-4 times per week):
Dynamic Stretching: Perform dynamic stretching exercises such as leg swings, arm circles and hip rotations before each training session.
Static Stretching: Incorporate static stretches for major muscle groups after each workout or training session. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
Yoga or Pilates: Encourage participation in yoga or Pilates classes to improve flexibility, balance and body awareness.
Foam Rolling: Teach athletes to use foam rollers to self-massage and release tight muscles, enhancing recovery and flexibility.
The 14-1 and 15-1 aged DME Academy Club Volleyball teams have shown exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the season, earning them spots in the 2023 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. These teams have consistently displayed a high level of play, winning crucial matches and dominating their opponents with their precise serves, powerful spikes, and exceptional defense. Their coaches and fans are immensely proud of their achievements and eagerly await their performance on the National stage.
The 14-1 and 15-1 teams have faced stiff competition throughout the season, but their determination and hard work have paid off. They have focused on improving their skills and techniques, as well as their mental and physical conditioning, allowing them to perform at their best in every game. Their dedication and discipline have not gone unnoticed, as they have inspired their teammates and coaches to work harder and strive for excellence.
The 14-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Brooke VanBrocklin and Rodrigo Saunders, consists of Emma Cronje, Nailah Cullom, Jade Gunter, Mollie Hale, Sofia Mackin, Keri Petro, Arden Reynolds, Sarah Stegall, Grace Taylor, Sadie VanBrocklin, and Lillian VanDeusen.
The 15-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Alvaro Sanchez and Rodrigo Saunders consists of Riley Bennet, Isabella Bosinki, Taylor Fonseca, Annabelle Gentry, Emma Jandrew, Teagun Lux, Jasmine Mahoney, Logan Milan, Syramil Quinones, Ava Scott, Tori Stoltzfus, and Paige Taylor.
As they prepare for the national tournament, the 14-1 and 15-1 teams are determined to give their best and leave everything on the court. They know that the competition will be tough, but they are ready for the challenge. Their goal is not only to win but to showcase their skills and sportsmanship, representing their team and community with pride. They are confident in their abilities, and their fans are confident in them. We wish them the best of luck at the GJNC National tournament At McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago Illinois, June 28th-July 6th! We are wishing them the best of luck!
Three 18-1 DME Academy volleyball players, Caroline Myers, Sadie Rich, and Anna Khrapova are taking their talents to the next level!
DME Academy’s volleyball team is once again making its mark in the world of collegiate sports. Three players have recently committed to playing volleyball in college and their journey is nothing short of inspiring. These girls have been playing together for years, perfecting their skills and pushing themselves to be the best that they can be. Now, their hard work has finally paid off and they are headed to the next level.
First up is Caroline Myer, a talented setter who has been a standout player on the DME team for years. She has recently committed to playing at Ave Maria University, where she will be attending school and hitting the court at a Gyrene starting this 2023-24 season. Myer is known for her precise sets and quick thinking on the court, and she is sure to make a big impact at the collegiate level.
Sadie Rich, a strong right side who has been a key player for the 18-1 DME Academy volleyball team, has signed to play for Chatt State in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rich’s powerful spikes and strong presence on the court make her a force to be reckoned with, and she is sure to thrive in the competitive world of college volleyball.
Anna Khrapova, a versatile setter who has excelled on the court and in the classroom at DME, has signed to play for Lawrence Technological University. Khrapova’s ability to play multiple positions and her unwavering determination make her a valuable asset to any team, and she is sure to make an impact as a Blue Devil.
“It has been a pleasure to watch these young women grow in our program here at DME,” says Dawn Moses, Director of Volleyball at DME Academy. “These ladies stayed loyal to the DME volleyball program and ended with a great 18’s season. Caroline led the offense most of the year, while Sadie worked her magic at the net. Anna was a utility player that performed wherever she was needed on a given weekend. We wish them the best of luck and cannot wait to watch them grow in this sport.”
These three girls from DME Academy’s 18-1 volleyball team are proof that hard work and dedication pay off in the end. They have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and improve their game, and now they are headed to the next level. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented athletes and we wish them all the best in their college careers.
Want to take your volleyball game to the next level with DME? Click here!
With more than 200 fans & supporters in attendance, the match between DME Academy and the Next Generation 04/05 team from Sarasota, FL was a huge success. This exhibition was of course about soccer but more importantly, it was an opportunity to build culture and showcase the vision for the partnership between DME Academy in Daytona and DME Academy in Sarasota. With Carousel’s Icery on hand, games for the kids, candy stations, apparel for purchase, and all proceeds going to fund the Sarasota club’s tournament participation, it was a great experience for everyone in attendance.
The match itself featured some hard-nosed play and boasted some incredible soccer by both teams. The DME Academy boys found the back of the net with some dynamic play and cool finishing. Next Generation soccer fought hard but in the end, we ended up winning with a score of 6-0.
“We were happy to take the bus down here and scrimmage Sarasota. That team is strong & they played well. There are some really good players here already and we’re going to keep building the DME Soccer program across this state. Thank you for the hospitality to JT, Jared, and the rest of the Sarasota team that organized the event. We’ll definitely be back down or have the boys up to our field to play soon.” says, Todd Eason, Director of Soccer at DME Academy.
This game is much more about opportunities and pathways than it is about the scoreline. Some of the Sarasota boys are already guests playing with the National team here at DME. The goal of this event was set up to unite the two clubs and show everyone the vision and possible pathways for committed and skilled soccer players in all of Southern-Central Florida.
The National Honors Society (NHS) is an organization that recognizes high school students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. This year, 30 student-athletes from DME Academy have achieved the great honor of being inducted into the NHS. An honor that is a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Being a student-athlete requires a high level of time management and discipline, as athletes must balance their rigorous training schedules with their academic responsibilities. The fact that these honorees from DME Academy have excelled in both areas is truly remarkable. They have demonstrated their ability to manage their time effectively, prioritize responsibilities, and perform at a high level in both academics and athletics.
“To achieve academic excellence takes sincere determination and self-discipline. Being inducted into the National Honor Society is a way for students to be recognized and encouraged for academic achievement and scholarship”, said Maria Burgos, Head of School at DME. “I have so much pride in our NHS inductees this year. Our student-athletes have continued to astound us with their commitment to their education and community.”
Congratulations to the following students!
Being inducted into the NHS is not just about academic achievement, but also about character and leadership. These student-athletes have shown that they are not just talented athletes, but also responsible and compassionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in their community. Their induction into the NHS is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and serves as an inspiration for other student-athletes to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for prospective student-athletes and their families to come and learn about the academy’s programs, facilities, and teaching philosophies. Attendees will meet with coaches and staff, tour the campus, and see the state-of-the-art training facilities firsthand. DME Academy Baseball is committed to providing the best possible training and education for its students, and the open house is a perfect opportunity to see how they achieve that goal.
“We are all so excited to host families who are interested in boosting their student-athlete’s skillset on and off the diamond,” says Maria Burgos, Head of School at DME Academy. “This is an amazing opportunity to stop by and ask questions if you have been curious about DME Academy’s schooling model.”
At the open house event, attendees will have the chance to learn about the academy’s comprehensive training programs, including pitching, hitting, fielding, and strength and conditioning. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the academic program, which offers individualized instruction and support for student-athletes trying to chase their dreams.
The DME Academy Baseball open house event on May 8 at 7 P.M. is a fantastic opportunity for any student-athlete interested in pursuing a career in baseball. Attendees will be able to see firsthand what sets DME Academy Baseball apart from other training institutions, how we help with college recruitment/exposure, and how they can help students reach their full potential.
Anyone who is interested in attending should RSVP as soon as possible to secure their spot and ensure that they don’t miss out on this exciting event. You can RSVP HERE!
DME Academy’s middle school baseball team remains undefeated on the season after an impressive 10-0 win over St. Barnabas on Wednesday evening. All four of DME’s pitchers were stone-cold on the mound throwing absolute cannons, and the quartet joined up for a combined no-hitter.
DME struck fast in the first inning with an impressive two-RBI by Jason Bruce to allow two others to score. After the first inning, DME was up 4 over their opponents. Jason Bruce was the star of the game as he got the start on the mound and guided DME to the win. He went two and two-thirds innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits while striking out 5 of St. Barnabas’ sluggers. Logan Wingard, Chase Cook, and Wrigley Zweifel worked in relief out of the bullpen, and none allowed a single hit in the historic combined no-hit effort.
After an action-packed game, it was Logan Wingard who put the nail in the coffin, catching an easy pop fly-out to end the game. The game ended with DME’s middle school team embracing each other and cheering on their victory.
“Every game, this young team continues to get better and better,” said Michael Main, Director of Baseball at DME Academy. “I love watching the camaraderie and skill sets of these guys enhance each day.”
Interested in playing baseball at a higher level? DME is currently looking for high school-aged athletes for the 2023-2024 season. RSVP to our Open House on May 8th at 7:00 PM here!
The DME Academy boys’ U19 soccer team has clinched the prestigious Easter International Cup in Kissimmee, Florida. The competition was held from April 5th to April 8th, 2023, and featured over 200 top youth soccer teams from across the country and 25 international teams. DME put on a remarkable performance throughout the tournament, showcasing their talent and skill on the pitch. The team, led by experienced soccer coach Todd Eason, emerged victorious in the final match against Florida Rush, winning 6-1.
“As our season starts winding down, participating in this tournament showed just how talented our boys are. This group continues to impress me with their passion for competition and overall durability,” said Todd Eason, Director of Soccer at DME Academy. “Five games in four days under the Florida heat, against prominent clubs is not easy. So, I can’t say enough about this group. They have exceeded my expectations and it’s been a great honor to work with these high-level players.”
DME Academy has quickly made a name for itself as a leading soccer program in Florida, attracting some of the most promising young players from across the country and overseas. The academy is known for its commitment to developing well-rounded soccer players who excel on the pitch and prioritize academic excellence and character development. The Easter International Cup win is a testament to DME’s dedication to cultivating talented soccer players who can perform at the highest level while upholding core values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The victory at the Easter International Cup is a significant achievement for DME Academy’s budding soccer program, providing a major boost to the players’ confidence and motivation. The win also serves as a testament to the coaching staff’s hard work and dedication to developing young soccer players. The Easter International Cup victory is a major milestone for the DME Academy, cementing its status as one of the top youth soccer programs in the country.
Want to learn more about our elite soccer program?