Five countries. One team. One vision.
When the final whistle blew in Las Vegas, the DME Academy volleyball team had just won the Premier Division at the Under Armour 18U National Championships. The scoreline mattered. The trophy mattered. But what I saw in those final moments was something bigger: proof that five girls from different continents could learn to play together, trust each other under the worst pressure, and execute at the highest level.
“It’s a nice accomplishment for a great group of kids and families,” reflected Coach Alvaro Sanchez on the championship run. “But it also shows our intention to put together a competitive program year after year. It shows seriousness of the program to attract like-minded athletes with similar goals.”
That seriousness didn’t start in Las Vegas. It started in the gym. Every day. Long before nationals.
Building Something From Scratch
“There have been challenges bringing girls from all over the world to learn to play one way,” continued Coach Alvaro. “In the fall we saw some success, but it wasn’t consistent. In April, I remember remarking about wishing we had this chemistry in the fall.”
Chemistry doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when players live together, train together, study together, and learn each other’s language on and off the court. It happens in the gym during practice, in the dining hall at lunch, and in the dorm rooms at night. It happens because the environment around them is built to reinforce one thing: you belong here, you’re being developed here, and your growth extends far beyond the sport.
I identified culture keepers who held the group together: Juanita, Carley, Keri, and Mariana. With three of them graduating, the strength of what they’d built in that group became critical. There was no meltdown. There was no collapse. There was just the next player ready to step in.
“The team had constant lineup changes and lent themselves to a plug and play adaptability that was admirable,” continued coach Sanchez. “No matter who was in, they found ways to be productive.”
That adaptability revealed itself early in the tournament. Going into Las Vegas, my goal was simple but demanding; exhibit competitive spirit, give best effort and focus at all times, celebrate each other. These aren’t complicated things. They’re hard things. Especially when you haven’t played tournaments together since fall, especially when you’re facing teams that may have trained year-round as a unit, and especially when your captain is managing a shoulder injury.
I made a calculated decision: limit the captain’s workload early so fresh legs could absorb the load. It worked. It required trust that the next player could step into a leadership role and deliver. That only happens when a program has spent time developing people, not just players.
Execution Under Pressure
In a crossover match against Nordique on day two, the team faced a bigger opponent with physical advantages at the net. The response was pure systems volleyball: switch the pin hitters, give different looks on both sides, execute serve and pass strategy, limit what the other team could do offensively.
The mental discipline required for that kind of adjustment is developed in a place where students are constantly challenged to solve problems, adapt to pressure, and think beyond the obvious solution. It’s developed in classrooms and in residential life, not just in the gym.
Several matches came down to clutch moments. Marcela came in cold off the bench in a high-pressure situation and got a termination block that gave her team breathing room. Mariana showed up in the moments that mattered, even when she wasn’t having her best match. And Juanita, in the championship set at 23-23, was challenged by assistant coach Hector Garcia to explode and go over the top. She did. The kill sealed the match.
“Different players stepped up in different moments,” concluded Coach Sanchez. “It will be tough to replicate those that graduated in that sense. They genuinely enjoyed each other and celebrated each other well. Lots of tears at the end of it all.”
Those tears weren’t just about winning. They were about what it took to get there. They were about being pushed to uncomfortable places so you can grow. They were about belonging to something bigger than yourself.
What This Actually Shows
“Three players made the all-tournament team: Keri Petro, Giovana Menegazzo, and Mariana Castaño. Luna played the best I’ve ever seen her play. Aniya and Carley were exceptional all weekend. It was a team victory, and the championship reflected that.”
But the larger reflection goes back to why DME Academy exists.
“We were fortunate. Not every group is the same,” expressed Coach Alvaro. “But somehow we were able to bring together kids from five different countries, to get on the same page and play one way, with intention, intensity, relentless effort and competitive spirit. We hope to pass that on to the next group, but every build, every puzzle comes together differently in its own time.”
The standard at DME is to hold students to expectations that make them uncomfortable so they can grow and handle pressure well in the game. It’s to face the best competition possible so there’s only one option: bring your best every time. And through it all, come out the other side with better problem solvers, adaptable athletes, and incredible learners.
A national championship is one way to measure that. But the real measure is what happens next: whether those five girls from different continents carry that growth into their next chapter, whether they understand that adaptability and resilience and genuine connection are portable skills, and whether they believe they belong somewhere bigger than a volleyball court.
That’s what winning in Las Vegas actually meant.
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*DME Academy volleyball competes in multiple divisions across all age groups. Learn more about our volleyball program, or schedule a visit to see our elite development approach in action.*
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – DME Academy has entered into a multi-year partnership with adidas, with BSN SPORTS serving as the academy’s official outfitter and equipment provider. The agreement establishes adidas as the exclusive supplier of uniforms, apparel, footwear, and accessories across all DME Academy programs.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and the continued growth of student-athletes within a high-performance training environment. Through this collaboration, DME Academy athletes will be equipped with adidas’ industry-leading technology, including advanced performance fabrics and sport-specific footwear designed to support training and competition at the highest level.
BSN SPORTS will play a central role in delivering this experience, providing streamlined access to adidas products along with customized service and operational support. The partnership ensures efficient delivery, consistent quality, and tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of DME Academy’s coaches, staff, and athletes. With dedicated service and a strong national distribution network, BSN SPORTS enhances the day-to-day experience for every program within the academy.
“This partnership represents an important step forward for DME Academy as we continue to invest in the overall student-athlete experience,” said Seth Brown, CEO of DME Academy. “Aligning with adidas and BSN SPORTS allows us to provide world-class resources while reinforcing the standard of excellence we expect across all of our programs.”
In addition to performance benefits, the agreement will expand brand visibility for adidas across DME Academy’s facilities, digital platforms, and athlete development initiatives. The partnership also introduces enhanced access to custom team stores, giving athletes, families, and supporters the opportunity to engage more directly with the DME brand.
“We’re proud to partner with DME Academy and adidas to support one of the nation’s premier training and educational institutions for student-athletes,” said Doug Patterson, Area Sales Manager, Central Florida at BSN SPORTS. “DME Academy has built an environment centered on elite development, academic excellence, and character building, and we’re excited to provide the apparel, footwear, equipment, and service solutions that allow student-athletes and coaches to focus on performance.”
DME Academy continues to establish itself as a leading destination for student-athletes seeking a comprehensive approach to development, combining elite training, academic support, and exposure to collegiate and professional pathways. This partnership further strengthens that mission by aligning the academy with two industry leaders committed to advancing sport at every level.
About DME Academy
DME Academy is a premier sports academy focused on developing student-athletes through a comprehensive model that integrates elite training, academic excellence, and character development. With programs designed to prepare athletes for collegiate and professional opportunities, DME Academy provides a high-performance environment that emphasizes discipline, exposure, and long-term success.
About adidas
adidas is a global leader in athletic and lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories. Driven by innovation and design, adidas develops performance products that help athletes at all levels reach their full potential while also shaping sport and culture worldwide.
About BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is a leading provider of team sports uniforms, apparel, and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS serves more than 150,000 institutional and team sports customers, including collegiate, scholastic, club, and recreational programs across the United States. With a nationwide network of sales professionals and a multi-channel approach that includes e-commerce and direct sales, BSN SPORTS offers a broad selection of products and customized solutions designed to support athletes, coaches, and teams.
Learn more at www.BSNSPORTS.com.
Daytona Beach, FL — DME Academy proudly announces the appointment of Seth Brown as its new President, marking a key step in the academy’s continued growth and long-term vision.
Brown is a senior executive leader with a strong record of driving enrollment growth, revenue strategy, and organizational scale across education and sports-focused institutions. His experience includes leading organizations through launch, turnaround, and expansion phases, partnering closely with founders, CEOs, Boards, and senior leadership teams to align strategy with execution.
Most recently, Brown served as Senior Vice President of Sales & Enrollment at a nationally recognized sports academy, where he helped design and launch a new academic and athletic institution. He led revenue modeling, enrollment strategy, system implementation, and team development. Earlier in his career, he directed enrollment strategy within a global boarding school environment, led advancement efforts at a public college during a period of transformation, and spent more than two decades in soccer leadership across youth, collegiate, and professional levels.
For DME Academy’s founders, Daniel and Mike Panaggio, the partnership reflects strategic alignment and shared vision.
“Seth’s experience at the intersection of strategy, systems, and growth aligns perfectly with where DME is headed,” said Daniel and Mike Panaggio. “As we elevate our academic and athletic model, his leadership strengthens our operational foundation and positions us for sustained success.”
As President, Brown will oversee day-to-day operations, working closely with faculty, staff, and families to strengthen systems, support enrollment, and enhance the student experience. Daniel and Mike Panaggio will remain actively engaged in long-term strategy and mission alignment.
Brown shared:
“DME Academy has built a strong platform rooted in high expectations and opportunity. I’m excited to partner with the founders and team to build scalable systems, support our families, and help position the academy for long-term growth.”
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized, sports-focused educational institution serving student-athletes from across the country and internationally. The academy integrates college-preparatory academics with elite athletic training, emphasizing discipline, character development, and college readiness. Through continued investment in leadership and program excellence, DME Academy remains focused on delivering an exceptional student experience while building for the future.
For media inquiries, please contact:
info@dmeacademy.com
At DME Academy, several female students recently had the opportunity to attend the Women in Science Embry-Riddle (WiSER) outreach program hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The WiSER program is designed to introduce female high school students to potential careers in science. Through this program, students were able to step outside of the classroom and experience science in a more interactive and engaging environment.
Throughout the event, students participated in a variety of hands-on activities across the Daytona Beach community that were designed to spark curiosity and deepen their interest in science. These activities allowed students to explore real-world scientific concepts, conduct experiments, and see how different scientific disciplines connect to one another.
DME science teacher Ms. Duff attended and organized the program with the students and supported them throughout the experience. Her guidance and encouragement helped the girls fully engage with the activities and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the scientists, faculty members, and mentors involved in the program.
“I would like to recognize our faculty for organizing the Wiser event,” said DME Director of Student Life Lance Morgan. “The team they assembled won third place, which includes a $2,000 scholarship, and the young ladies who participated were so excited to have been a part of it.”
A total of ten girls from DME Academy attended the WiSER program, and their hard work and participation paid off. Out of the ten students who attended, five were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Students winning the scholarship were Rebeca Amorim, Savyib Kamer, Giovanni de Negreiros, Elizabeth Wagner, and Rachel Wagner.
This achievement highlights both the students’ dedication and the impact that programs like WiSER can have in inspiring the next generation of young women to pursue careers in science and innovation.
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.
Over the past several weeks, middle school students at DME Academy have been actively engaged in hands-on learning through the Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy program, an academic offering designed to introduce students to foundational concepts in aeronautics, robotics, and STEM.
Students began the term by reviewing and reinforcing key concepts from last semester, ensuring a strong foundation as they transitioned into more advanced, project-based activities. This structured approach helps students build confidence while developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills essential for success in future STEM coursework.
Recently, students began designing their “ideal” robot, an interactive project that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and introductory coding concepts. Through the design process, students explored how ideas are transformed into functional designs, gaining early exposure to engineering principles in an age-appropriate and engaging environment.
In addition to robotics design, students participated in collaborative building projects using K’NEX, applying basic engineering and design concepts while working as teams. These activities emphasized communication, creativity, and hands-on exploration, reinforcing DME Academy’s commitment to experiential learning.
The Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy program at DME Academy is affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and offers dual-enrollment aviation and aerospace coursework for high school students, along with an exploratory STEM experience for middle school students. The program is designed to spark early interest in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and technology while supporting DME Academy’s broader academic mission.
By integrating the Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy program into its academic offerings, DME Academy continues to expand opportunities for students to explore diverse career pathways while developing the skills, curiosity, and confidence needed for long-term academic and personal success.
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.
For many families, choosing a sports academy comes with an important question: What happens when the game ends? At DME Academy, the answer is clear. Athletics may open doors, but education, discipline, and life skills ensure students walk through them prepared.
DME Academy is built on the belief that student-athletes must be ready for success well beyond competition. Through a structured academic environment, personalized support, and real-world preparation, DME develops young people who are equipped for college, careers, and life after sports.
While meeting NCAA academic requirements is essential, DME Academy’s academic mission extends far beyond eligibility checklists. Students are challenged with coursework designed to prepare them for the demands of college classrooms and professional environments.
Small class sizes, guided instruction, and consistent accountability ensure students do not simply complete assignments but truly understand the material. This academic foundation helps graduates transition smoothly into higher education, regardless of whether they continue competing athletically.
Success after sports requires more than talent. It requires discipline, time management, responsibility, and communication skills. DME Academy’s structured daily schedule mirrors the expectations students will face in college and professional life.
By balancing academics, training, and personal responsibilities, students learn how to manage their time effectively, meet deadlines, and remain accountable. These habits often become the difference between short-term athletic success and long-term personal achievement.
DME Academy places strong emphasis on character development. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their growth, support teammates, and represent themselves with integrity on and off campus.
Through leadership opportunities, mentorship, and community engagement, student-athletes learn how to communicate effectively, lead by example, and navigate challenges with confidence. These traits are essential in college classrooms, workplaces, and communities alike.
DME Academy is not simply a place to train. It is a place to grow. By combining elite athletics with rigorous academics and personal development, DME ensures students are prepared not just to compete, but to thrive.
From the classroom to college campuses to careers beyond athletics, DME Academy equips student-athletes with the tools they need to succeed wherever life takes them.
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.
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.