DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy is pleased to announce the promotion of Haleigh Panaggio to Director of Athletic Operations, recognizing her longstanding commitment to the Academy and expanding her leadership responsibilities within DME’s athletic programs.
Panaggio has been a valued member of the DME Academy community since 2019. During that time, she has contributed across communications, marketing, student life, event management and athletics, becoming a trusted resource for students, families, coaches and colleagues throughout the organization.
In her new role, Panaggio will help coordinate the day-to-day operations of DME Academy’s athletic programs, support coaches and program directors, strengthen communication across departments and help ensure student-athletes receive a consistent, well-organized and supportive experience.
“Haleigh has given an incredible amount of her time, energy and heart to DME Academy,” said Seth Brown, President and CEO of DME Academy. “She understands our students, our coaches and the details required to make this organization operate successfully. More importantly, she cares deeply about the people she serves. This promotion recognizes everything Haleigh has already contributed while giving her the opportunity to make an even greater impact on our athletic programs and the student-athlete experience.”
An Arkansas native, Panaggio attended Henderson State University, where she was a four-year starter for the women’s basketball team. During her collegiate career, she became the program’s career leader in three-point field goals and broke the Great American Conference career record.
After earning her degree in Sports Management and Marketing in 2018, Panaggio relocated to Florida with DME basketball coach Matt Panaggio. They married in 2020 and are now raising their three sons, Luca, Leo and Arlo.
Panaggio’s own experience as a collegiate student-athlete has shaped her approach to supporting DME students. Throughout her time at the Academy, she has remained closely involved in their daily lives while helping produce many of the events, communications and campus traditions that have strengthened the DME community.
“DME Academy has been such an important part of my life and my family’s life,” Panaggio said. “I am incredibly grateful for the trust our leadership team has placed in me and for their willingness to help me recognize the ways I can continue growing as a leader. I am excited to take on this role, work even more closely with our athletic programs and continue supporting our students each day.”
As she transitions into the Director of Athletic Operations position, Panaggio will gradually step away from leading several of DME’s signature events and marketing initiatives. She will continue supporting those teams during the transition while maintaining an active and visible presence across campus.
“Haleigh represents the kind of internal growth we want to create at DME Academy,” Brown added. “She has earned this opportunity through years of commitment, adaptability and service. She knows our culture, believes in our mission and understands that every operational decision ultimately affects the experience of our students. We are excited to see her step into this next chapter.”
Panaggio’s promotion is part of DME Academy’s continued investment in strengthening athletic operations, aligning campus departments and creating one exceptional student-athlete experience.
DME Academy is a nationally recognized private boarding and day school in Daytona Beach, Florida, built for student-athletes pursuing excellence in academics, athletics and life. Through a fully integrated student-athlete experience, DME prepares students to win their future by developing the skills, discipline, character and confidence needed for what’s next.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Baude as Director of Residential Life, a key leadership role focused on strengthening the student experience, residential culture and day-to-day support for student-athletes living on campus.
Baude brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across parks and recreation, youth development, program operations, coaching, teaching, volunteer management and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has led programs, events and activities serving groups ranging from small teams to large community gatherings of more than 3,000 participants. His background includes extensive work with youth sports, recreation programming, staff development, facility operations, community partnerships and safety-focused planning.
Most recently, Baude served with USO Florida as a Center Operations Specialist, supporting military service members and their families through program delivery, daily operations, volunteer coordination and community partnerships across Central and South Florida. Prior to that, he spent more than 14 years with the City of Bangor, Maine, Parks & Recreation Department, where he helped manage youth sports leagues, community events, seasonal staff, volunteers, athletic facilities and recreation programs for residents of all ages.
In his new role at DME Academy, Baude will lead the residential life experience for student-athletes, helping create a safe, structured and supportive environment where students can grow academically, athletically, socially and personally.
“Residence life is about much more than supervising a dorm,” said Baude. “It is about building a community. Students are away from home, often from different countries and backgrounds, and they deserve adults who are approachable, consistent and invested in their success. I want our residential program to be a place where students feel safe, respected and supported as they grow as people, develop life skills and build friendships that last beyond graduation.”
Baude’s career has been centered on creating welcoming environments where young people feel connected, valued and encouraged to reach their potential. His coaching experience includes high school varsity girls’ basketball and years of middle school boys’ and girls’ athletics, with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and personal growth. He has also been recognized by peers for his service to youth recreation, including honors connected to the Hershey’s Track & Field Games and recognition as Recreation Professional of the Year by the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
“At DME Academy, our residential program is an essential part of the full student-athlete experience,” said Seth Brown, CEO of DME Academy. “Our students are going to respond to Tim’s energy, his passion for community and his genuine commitment to young people. We have found a true mentor and advocate for our student-athletes, someone who understands that growth continues well beyond the classroom and the training environment. Our entire campus community will benefit from his leadership as he strengthens community living, builds meaningful relationships and supports the continued growth of our boarding student community.”
Baude said DME’s commitment to developing the whole student was one of the key reasons he was drawn to the role.
“What attracted me to DME Academy is its commitment to developing the whole student,” Baude said. “Success is not only measured by wins on the field or court. It is also measured by character, accountability, leadership and preparation for life after graduation. I am excited to be part of a team that shares those values.”
As Director of Residential Life, Baude will work closely with DME leadership, student life staff, coaches, academic teams and families to support a residential culture built around safety, connection, personal responsibility and student development.
“I have never believed my job was simply to manage programs or buildings,” Baude said. “My job has always been to invest in people. If I can help a student leave DME Academy more confident, more prepared and knowing someone believed in them, then I have done my job.”
DME Academy is a nationally recognized private boarding and day school in Daytona Beach, Florida, built for student-athletes pursuing excellence in academics, athletics and life. Through a fully integrated student-athlete experience, DME prepares students to win their future by developing the skills, discipline, character and confidence needed for what’s next.
Twenty-one prospective student-athletes explored DME Academy’s academic, athletic and student life programs during an immersive campus event.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy recently welcomed 21 prospective student-athletes and their families to its Daytona Beach campus for Prospect Day, an immersive event designed to provide an inside look at the Academy’s comprehensive student-athlete experience.
Prospective students representing basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball and golf attended the event. While many participants were from the surrounding area, families also traveled from outside Florida, including Michigan and the Chicago area.
The day began with check-in and guided campus tours, giving families an opportunity to explore DME Academy’s classrooms, athletic facilities, residential spaces and student resources. Throughout the tour, prospective students learned what a typical day at DME may look like, including potential academic schedules, course options, training sessions and student life activities.
A panel featuring representatives from academics, student life and DME Academy leadership addressed what it takes to grow as a successful student-athlete and how DME supports that development. Families were especially interested in the Academy’s curriculum, personalized academic approach and the resources available to help students prepare for college and their next level of competition.
The panel also gave parents and students an opportunity to ask detailed questions and hear directly from the people responsible for supporting student-athletes throughout their experience at DME.
“Prospect Day allows families to move beyond what they may have seen online and experience DME Academy in a more personal and meaningful way,” said Sen Han, Director of Admissions. “Our goal is for every family to leave with a clear understanding of our philosophy, our standards and how we can help each student-athlete pursue their individual goals.”
Following the morning sessions, prospective student-athletes participated in sport-specific activities and connected with members of the DME Academy coaching and admissions teams. Individual meetings provided families with additional information about the application process, enrollment requirements and next steps.
The personal conversations were among the most valuable parts of the event, allowing DME representatives to better understand each prospective student’s goals while helping families determine whether the Academy is the right fit.
The event generated strong interest in DME Academy, with more than five applications expected because of the day. Three participating siblings have already enrolled.
Prospect Day reflected DME Academy’s commitment to developing the complete student-athlete through an integrated approach that brings together academic, elite athletic development, character, leadership and student life. By the conclusion of the event, families experienced firsthand how DME prepares student-athletes to win their future—in the classroom, in competition and in life.
DME Academy is a nationally recognized sports training and educational institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Through its 360-degree approach to development, DME combines rigorous academics, elite athletic training, character development and a supportive student life experience to prepare student-athletes for college, competition and life beyond the game.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Donovan Gibson as the Academy’s new Dean of Students, further strengthening its commitment to delivering a best-in-class student-athlete experience that extends well beyond academics and athletics.
Gibson joins DME Academy with more than two decades of experience in education, student development, coaching, and leadership. His career has been centered on helping students successfully navigate their educational journeys while building the character, confidence, and life skills needed for long-term success.
His appointment reflects DME Academy’s continued investment in creating an environment where every student-athlete is supported academically, socially, emotionally, and personally throughout their time on campus.
“At DME Academy, we believe exceptional student-athletes are developed through exceptional experiences,” said Seth Brown, President and CEO of DME Academy. “Donovan’s passion for students, his leadership experience, and his ability to build meaningful relationships with young people and families make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. He understands that success is about much more than performance in competition, it’s about helping students become confident, resilient, and prepared for life.”
Most recently, Gibson served as Director of Transfer and International Admission at the University of Jamestown, where he led international recruitment initiatives, developed student support resources, expanded global partnerships, and helped improve student retention through personalized guidance and family engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for creating systems and programs that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Earlier in his career, Gibson served as Director of Coaching for Arsenal Rome Soccer Club, where he developed player pathways, coached and mentored staff, implemented educational programs for parents, and established organizational standards focused on positive student and family experiences. His background as both an educator and coach provide a unique perspective that aligns naturally with DME Academy’s integrated approach to student development.
As Dean of Students, Gibson will oversee student conduct, leadership development, campus culture, and initiatives designed to enrich the residential and day student experience. Working closely with faculty, coaches, residential life staff, and families, he will help ensure students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed in every aspect of Academy life.
“I am honored to join DME Academy and become part of a community that is deeply committed to helping young people reach their full potential,” said Gibson. “What excites me most is DME’s belief that education, athletics, leadership, and personal growth are all connected. I look forward to building relationships with our students and families while helping create a culture where every student feels challenged, supported, and inspired.”
Gibson’s arrival comes during an exciting period of growth for DME Academy as the institution continues to enhance every aspect of the student experience through new academic initiatives, expanded student life programming, strengthened residential support, and continued investments in campus culture.
“Everything we do is centered on creating one exceptional student-athlete experience,” Brown added. “Donovan will play an important role in helping every student discover their strengths, develop their character, maximize their opportunities, and become the very best version of themselves.”
DME Academy is a premier academic and athletic institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida, dedicated to helping student-athletes discover, develop, maximize, and become. Through rigorous academics, elite athletic training, leadership development, and a supportive campus community, DME Academy prepares students for success in college, competition, and life. Serving students from across the United States and around the world, DME Academy provides an integrated experience that develops the whole student and empowers every learner to pursue excellence both on and off the field.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy is pleased to announce a new food service partnership with Elior Independent School Dining, a national dining and hospitality provider serving independent and private schools across the country.
The partnership represents a major investment in the DME student experience, bringing a more customized, nutrition-focused and student-centered dining program to the Academy’s Daytona Beach campus.
As a school built around the full development of student-athletes, DME Academy sought a food service partner that understood the importance of quality, consistency, nutrition, variety and hospitality. Elior was selected for its ability to deliver fresh, thoughtfully prepared meals while supporting the needs of a diverse student body that includes residential students, day students and athletes training across multiple sports. The selection process included direct input from DME students and coaches on what they wanted from their dining experience and Elior’s sports nutrition expertise and seven-day-a-week service model set it apart from other providers DME considered.
“At DME Academy, the student-athlete experience extends well beyond the classroom and the court or field,” said Seth Brown, President and CEO of DME Academy. “Food is a daily part of how students feel, perform, recover and connect with one another. Moving to Elior allows us to provide a dining experience that better reflects the level of care, structure and support we want every student to feel on campus.”
Elior’s program will focus on scratch-prepared meals, fresh ingredients, menu variety and allergen-aware options that reflect the needs and preferences of DME’s residential students, day students and athletes training across multiple sports.
With students representing more than 26 countries, DME Academy also wanted a dining partner who could make the campus feel like home for a global community while introducing students to new flavors. Alongside scratch-prepared traditional favorites, the dining program features Southern Vietnamese-inspired rice noodle bowls; Mezze Table, showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean; and authentic Korean cuisine. Together, these concepts create a dining program that celebrates global flavors while meeting diverse dietary preferences.
For DME’s student-athletes, one of the most meaningful parts of the partnership is Elior’s FUELED sports nutrition platform. Built to support training, performance and recovery, this nutrition program gives student-athletes:
Beyond day-to-day meals, FUELED is designed to help students understand the connection between the food choices they make and how those choices affect their energy, recovery, performance and overall well-being, building habits that can carry into their academic, athletic and professional careers.
“DME Academy is a dynamic campus with a clear commitment to developing the whole student-athlete,” said Todd Hickman, SVP Elior Independent School Dining. “Our goal is to create a dining program that supports that mission every day, with meals that are fresh, inclusive, nourishing and connected to the rhythms of student life, training and competition.”
The transition to Elior is part of a broader effort by DME Academy to continue strengthening the residential and student life experience. Alongside recent investments in student support, campus programming and community development, the new food service partnership reflects DME’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment where students can grow academically, athletically and personally.
In addition to daily dining, Elior will support DME Academy through catering and hospitality services for campus events, admissions visits, family programming, athletic events and community gatherings. These services will help elevate the overall campus experience for students, families, staff, guests and prospective families visiting DME Academy.
DME Academy is a private school and elite athletic training academy located in Daytona Beach, Florida. DME provides a complete student-athlete development experience that combines academics, sport-specific training, residential life, leadership development and college preparation. With programs across multiple sports, DME supports students as they pursue growth in the classroom, in competition and across campus life. Visit: www.dmeacademy.com
Elior Independent School Dining provides dining and catering services to independent and private schools across the country, serving millions of meals each year. Elior partners with schools to create customized dining programs focused on fresh ingredients, hospitality, wellness, nutrition and inclusive campus experiences. Visit: www.elior-independentschools.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy is proud to announce Richard Duffy as the Academy’s new Director of Girls Soccer, bringing decades of experience in player development, collegiate coaching, leadership, and mentorship to one of the nation’s premier environments for aspiring student-athletes.
Duffy joins DME Academy with a proven track record of developing athletes, building successful programs, and creating pathways that help young players reach their highest potential on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
His appointment reflects DME Academy’s continued investment in providing student-athletes with elite coaching, individualized development, and meaningful opportunities to pursue collegiate, professional, and international soccer pathways.
“Richard embodies everything we value at DME Academy,” said Seth Brown, CEO of DME Academy. “He understands that true development goes beyond wins and losses. His experience, leadership, and commitment to helping young people grow as athletes, students, and leaders make him an exceptional fit for our community and vision.”
Duffy arrives from Rocky Mountain College, where he currently serves as Head Women’s Soccer Coach. Throughout his collegiate coaching career, he has guided programs to conference championships, national tournament appearances, and sustained competitive success. Under his leadership, student-athletes have earned All-American honors, conference awards, and opportunities to continue their careers at higher levels of competition.
His impact extends well beyond the collegiate game. As Director of Coaching and Executive Director for REAL Billings FC, Duffy helped shape player development systems, coach education initiatives, and club-wide standards designed to support athletes at every stage of their journey. His experience building successful pathways from youth soccer through college athletics brings valuable perspective to DME Academy’s developmental model.
At DME Academy, Duffy will oversee all aspects of the girls soccer program, including player development, coaching leadership, curriculum implementation, recruitment, and college placement support. His vision centers on creating a high-performance environment where athletes are challenged to excel technically, tactically, academically, and personally.
“DME Academy offers a unique opportunity to impact the complete student-athlete experience,” said Duffy. “What drew me to DME was its commitment to helping young people pursue excellence in every area of their lives. My goal is to create an environment where players are inspired to dream bigger, work harder, and discover what they are truly capable of achieving.”
A passionate advocate for coach and player development, Duffy holds a U.S. Soccer Federation “A” License and serves as a USSF Grassroots Instructor. He also holds the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and Goalkeeping Level I Diploma, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and the highest standards of coaching excellence.
Originally from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Duffy enjoyed a distinguished playing career before transitioning into coaching. A two-time NAIA All-American during his collegiate career at Husson College and the University of Mary, he brings firsthand experience competing and succeeding at high levels of the game.
Duffy and his wife, Kelly, are the proud parents of four sons—Jordan, Charlie, Lewis, and Henry. Together, they share a passion for education, mentorship, and helping young people realize their full potential.
As DME Academy continues to strengthen its position as a destination for driven student-athletes from around the world, Duffy’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the girls soccer program and its future growth.
DME Academy is a premier academic and athletic institution dedicated to helping student-athletes discover, develop, and maximize their potential. Through a unique combination of rigorous academics, elite coaching, individualized support, and competitive opportunities, DME Academy provides a complete pathway for students pursuing excellence in sport, education, and life. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, DME Academy serves student-athletes from across the United States and around the world, preparing them for success at the collegiate, professional, and personal levels.
DME Academy soccer alum Yan Diomandé is making headlines on the world stage. CBS Sports has profiled the 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger — now starring for RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga — as a potential breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Diomandé developed at DME Academy from 2022 to 2025 before launching his professional career in Europe — the latest DME product to reach the sport’s highest level. In the feature, DME President Seth Brown reflects on Diomandé’s time on campus and the academy’s role in his growth.