DME Academy blends elite training, individualized education, and character-building experiences to shape well-rounded young competitors.
At DME, student-athletes don’t have to choose between school and sport. The Academy’s flexible academic model allows athletes to pursue challenging coursework while maintaining a demanding training schedule. Small class sizes and personalized support help students stay on track academically, even during travel and competition seasons.
DME’s athletic programs are built around professional-level coaching and year-round development. Athletes benefit from strength and conditioning programs, sport-specific technical training, and a campus equipped with pro-grade facilities
This high-performance atmosphere prepares students for the intensity of collegiate and professional competition.
Beyond the gym and classroom, DME focuses on teaching responsibility, teamwork, and character. Workshops, mentorship opportunities, and community involvement help students learn to lead with confidence and skills that matter long after graduation.
From college recruiting guidance to highlight reel development and academic advising, DME supports athletes through every step of their journey. The Academy’s strong relationships with college programs give students the exposure they need to compete at the next level.
Speak with a Student Advisor today and discover how DME Academy can guide you toward success. Click here to get started!
Daytona Beach, FL. At DME Academy, student-athletes train for more than just victories on the court or field. They prepare for success in every aspect of life. While DME athletes consistently compete at the highest levels, the Academy’s mission extends well beyond athletic achievement. By providing rigorous academics, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities, DME equips students with the tools to thrive in college, their careers, and life after sports.
Academic Excellence with a Competitive Edge
DME’s academic program challenges students with coursework designed to prepare them for the nation’s top universities. Through innovative partnerships, such as dual-credit science classes offered in collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, students gain access to advanced curriculum that few high schools can offer. This combination of elite athletics and academic strength ensures that DME graduates are prepared both for the next level of competition and the classroom challenges ahead.
Building Leaders Beyond Sports
Character and leadership development are at the core of the DME experience. Student-athletes learn the discipline required to succeed in competition while also building responsibility, time management, problem-solving, and accountability skills. These lessons prepare them to become leaders in their chosen fields, whether on a team, in a career, or within their communities.
A Global Learning Environment
With students representing countries from around the world, DME provides a uniquely international environment. Living and learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds enhances communication, adaptability, and global awareness. These are qualities that will serve students well as they step into college athletics and an increasingly interconnected world.
Preparing for Life Beyond the Game
The mission of DME Academy is to shape well-rounded individuals who excel not only as athletes but as scholars and leaders. Students graduate with a strong foundation built on academic achievement, athletic performance, and character development. They are prepared to succeed in college, in their professional careers, and in life beyond athletics.
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. – As the DME Academy Girls Indoor Volleyball team approaches the midway point of the 2025 season, the team sets its sights on a challenging remaining schedule, but is armed with the confidence and early-season growth to face it head-on.
Led by Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez, the team has worked to blend together athletes from diverse backgrounds. With players hailing from a variety of countries and training systems, the season began with the task of building a single, unified style of play. “The girls are working to get better every day,” said Coach Sanchez. “While we have talented individuals, it was a challenge to get them all to play one way as they’re all coming from different countries, different training styles, and schools of thought.”
Despite those early challenges, DME has shown grit and determination, competing against top-tier talent, including several All-Americans. The team has logged countless miles traveling across Florida and beyond, taking on one of the toughest schedules in the region. With a record just above .500, Sanchez remains focused on the big picture but sees the potential in his squad to finish the season on a high note.
Recognizing Leadership and Player Development
This year’s progress has been fueled by the steady leadership of team captains Juanita Hernandez and Mariana Castaño, as well as libero Keri Petro, who operates as an extra coach on the court for the team. Giovana Menegazzo and Carley Kenefick will be crucial in the late-season push as both athletes have significantly elevated their play throughout the season.
“These athletes represent what DME is all about — discipline, teamwork, and a relentless competitive spirit,” Sanchez said.
Looking Ahead
With nine matches left in the regular season, the team is determined to finish strong. Highlights ahead include the Senior Night/Pink Game against New Smyrna Beach, a meaningful matchup for Sanchez against his former program.
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, 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 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
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 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. Choosing the right middle school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. At DME Academy, we offer a private middle school program in Daytona Beach, Florida, designed to guide students through this key stage with structure, challenge, and support.
At DME Academy, students benefit from small class sizes and dedicated teachers. The curriculum focuses on core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing. At the same time, students build life skills such as time management, organization, and critical thinking.
As a private school in Daytona Florida, DME Academy also gives students a global perspective. With classmates from more than 40 countries, students learn cultural awareness and strong communication skills. This diverse environment helps them prepare for a connected, modern world.
DME Academy proudly accepts the Step Up for Students scholarship, making our private middle school program more accessible for Florida residents. Our admissions team is ready to help families explore financial aid options and start the enrollment process.
If you’re looking for a private middle school in Daytona Beach that values academic excellence, global citizenship, and character-driven education, DME Academy is ready to welcome you.
Schedule a tour or start your application today to see what sets DME apart.
Daytona, FL. Earlier this month, the DME Academy Blue and Gold High School basketball teams brought their energy, leadership, and passion off the court and into the community. The destination? Palm Terrace Elementary School in Daytona Beach—where Field Day became a showcase of teamwork, mentorship, and fun.
For over four hours, DME athletes supported young students across activity stations—from relay races to obstacle courses. They didn’t just supervise—they led by example, running alongside the kids, demonstrating games, and hyping up every station.
“The DME players were so supportive and did a fantastic job of interacting with our kids,” said Colby Carden, Palm Terrace’s New Teacher of the Year and DME assistant coach. “It was just a fun time had by all.”
The event wasn’t just a school day activity—it was a valuable moment of community connection. Each DME player earned service hours, a core requirement of the DME Academy experience. More importantly, they made a positive impact on the Daytona community that supports them.
At DME, community involvement is a core value. Our athletes train to win—but they’re also being shaped into well-rounded leaders who understand the importance of giving back.
Bass Sylla
Mattia Orlandi
Lio Toscanini
Oliver Puzzi
Malik Oppon
John Conrad
Marcelo Chagris
Dmitri Davis
Justin Lanos
Miguel Fernandez
Ndiaga Sylla
Liam Ford-Ramoon
Guided by Coaches Allen Carden (Blue team) and Pete Munch (Gold team), these players continue to embody the spirit of DME—hardworking, humble, and community-driven. As a proud part of the Daytona Beach community, DME Academy sees moments like this not just as service, but as a reflection of who we are. It’s never just about basketball—it’s about character, connection, and committing to something bigger than ourselves
Daytona, FL –DME Academy’s 9th and 10th-grade students recently embarked on an exciting educational journey at SeaWorld Orlando’s STEM Day, an immersive experience connecting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to real-world applications. This hands-on STEM event reinforced DME Academy’s commitment to fostering STEM education through real-world learning experiences.
At SeaWorld Orlando, students witnessed STEM in action as they explored hydrodynamics in marine habitats, animal behavioral science, and the technology behind animal care and conservation. The experience showcased how engineers, biologists, and animal care specialists use science and technology daily to create sustainable environments for marine life.
Through interactive workshops and live demonstrations led by SeaWorld experts, students gained a deeper understanding of the connection between STEM education and career pathways. From understanding the physics of roller coasters to seeing how advanced filtration systems maintain aquatic ecosystems, they discovered how STEM drives innovation and problem-solving in diverse fields.
DME Academy prioritizes experiential learning opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom instruction. Principal Stacy Atkinson, who accompanied students on the trip, emphasized the importance of real-world learning experiences:
“Our goal at DME Academy is to provide students with enriching opportunities beyond the classroom, and SeaWorld’s STEM Day was the perfect setting. It was inspiring to see them engage with hands-on learning and critically think about how STEM impacts industries they may not have previously considered.”
By bridging education and entertainment, the field trip encouraged students to think about future careers in STEM-related fields while enjoying a fun and dynamic learning environment. Seeing STEM integrated into marine science, engineering, and conservation efforts allowed students to connect their studies to real-world careers and develop a deeper appreciation for the role technology plays in shaping the world.
DME Academy remains dedicated to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning experiences to equip students with the skills they need for success in STEM-focused careers.
DME Academy continues to seek innovative ways to enhance student learning experiences through STEM-focused programs and real-world educational opportunities. To learn more about our programs book a call with one of our advisors HERE