March Madness is here, and DME Academy alumni are ready to shine on college basketball’s biggest stages. Twelve former DME standouts will represent their schools in the NCAA Division I and Division II tournaments, demonstrating the exceptional talent and elite training nurtured at DME Academy.
Here’s a look at the DME alumni competing in the upcoming NCAA tournaments:
Men’s NCAA Tournament:
Women’s NCAA Tournament:
Division II NCAA Tournament:
Postseason Invitational Tournaments:
These talented student-athletes embody hard work, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We proudly celebrate their achievements as they continue to reach new heights in their athletic and academic careers.
At DME Academy, we pride ourselves on a comprehensive approach that balances rigorous academics, holistic personal growth, and premier athletic training. Our alumni consistently excel at collegiate levels and beyond.
Ready to start your journey toward athletic and academic success? DME Academy offers a variety of programs tailored to help you reach your goals, including full-time boarding school, intensive camps, and personalized online coaching.
Fill out our inquiry form today and discover how DME Academy can help elevate your game.
DME Academy’s Performance Program is built for athletes who want to take real steps toward improving their physical and mental game. It’s not about checking a box or going through the motions—it’s about structured, intentional development designed to make a difference on the court, field, or wherever athletes compete.
Training at DME isn’t just about lifting weights or running faster. It’s about building strength with purpose, improving mobility, increasing endurance, and reducing the risk of injury. Every athlete in the program follows a structured plan tailored to their sport, position, and individual needs. The goal is simple: help athletes move better, get stronger, and gain a competitive edge.
Alex Richard, MS, CSCS, leads the program as the Director of Sports Performance. Before joining DME, he spent five years at Southern Miss, where he worked with multiple NCAA Division I programs, including men’s basketball, women’s soccer, and football. A former college basketball player himself, Richard understands what it takes to compete at a high level, and he brings that experience into every aspect of training at DME.
Facilities matter, but follow-through matters more. At DME, athletes don’t just have access to high-level equipment and training spaces—they get expert coaching, structured progressions, and a commitment to their development. It’s a place where training isn’t just something to get through, but a process designed to push athletes toward their next step.
Key features of the Performance Program include:
If you want to become part of the DME Performance Program contact us to learn more!
Daytona, FL – The mornings in Daytona Beach start with salt in the air and the steady sound of determination—barbells hitting the floor, deep breaths between reps, and the relentless push to be better than yesterday. In a city built on speed, where engines scream down the track and waves pound the shore, Samantha Reagan is proving that DME Academy isn’t just a school—it’s a launchpad for elite competitors.
At just 14 years old, Samantha is making her mark in one of the toughest sports in the world. Competing in the 2025 CrossFit Open, she has climbed the ranks, securing 84th place worldwide in the Girls (14-15) division. In North America East, she stands at 21st, and in the United States, she holds the 26th spot—a testament to the grit, discipline, and relentless work ethic she brings to every training session.
CrossFit isn’t just a workout—it’s a test of strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Every day, Samantha puts in the work, pushing herself through grueling strength training, endurance challenges, and skill work while balancing her academic life at DME Academy.
From the start, Alex Richard, DME Academy’s Sports Performance Director, saw something special.
“Samantha doesn’t just show up—she attacks every workout with a purpose,” says Richard. “CrossFit is one of the hardest sports out there. It’s year-round, it’s brutal, and it requires a mindset most people don’t have. She has it.”
At DME Academy, students aren’t just preparing for college—they’re preparing for life. Whether it’s on the field, in the weight room, or in the classroom, DME gives student-athletes the resources, structure, and support to chase big goals. For Samantha, it’s been the perfect place to grow—not just as a student, but as an athlete.
Follow Samantha’s journey and see how DME Academy helps student-athletes excel—inside and outside the classroom. Learn more.
Daytona, FLA. As the days grow longer and the winter chill fades, the energy at DME Academy is unmistakable. A new baseball season isn’t just another start—it’s the result of months of preparation, hard work, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
The Training That Sets DME Apart
Success on the field starts long before opening day. At DME, training isn’t just about showing up—it’s about developing complete athletes. Each session is designed to improve speed, strength, skill, and strategy so players step onto the field fully prepared to compete.
“We don’t just train players; we build competitors,” says Coach Micheal Main. “Every drill, every rep, every practice has a purpose. We’re not just preparing for a season—we’re preparing them to excel at the next level.”
A Day in the Life of a DME Baseball Player
Morning Warm-Ups: The day starts with mobility work, stretching, and movement drills to prime the body for high-performance training.
Skill Development: Pitchers refine accuracy and velocity, hitters sharpen their mechanics, and fielders work on precision, reaction time, and decision-making.
Tactical Training: Afternoons focus on game strategy, situational awareness, and position-specific decision-making to ensure players can read the game at an elite level.
Team Development: Beyond the physical work, team chemistry is built daily. Leadership training, communication drills, and mental performance coaching ensure that when game day arrives, players are not only physically prepared but mentally sharp and ready to compete.
The Coaching That Makes the Difference
At DME Academy, coaching is more than instruction—it’s mentorship. With a staff of experienced professionals who have played and coached at the highest levels, every athlete gets the guidance they need to elevate their game.
“We treat every player as an individual,” says Coach Main. “We focus on their strengths, help them refine their weaknesses, and prepare them for the level they’re striving for.”
The Excitement of a New Season
As opening day approaches, anticipation builds. Each practice, each rep, and each film session is another step toward making an impact. Whether a player is striving to break personal records, earn a starting spot, or prepare for college recruitment, the foundation is built here.
Train Like the Best at DME Academy
At DME Academy, athletes train in an environment designed to maximize their potential. If you’re serious about developing your game and competing at a high level, DME provides the coaching, facilities, and structure to help you succeed.
Ready to elevate your game? Click the link to speak with an advisor to learn more about our Baseball Program.
Daytona, FLA. DME Academy is proud to announce that Mikel Brown Jr., one of the nation’s top-ranked high school point guards, has been named a 2025 McDonald’s All-American. On April 1, he will take the court at Barclays Center in New York, showcasing his talent on a national stage.
This prestigious honor solidifies his place among the country’s elite high school players while further elevating DME Academy’s reputation in Florida high school basketball. His selection is a testament to his record-breaking season, high basketball IQ, and leadership on the court.
Since arriving at DME Academy, Brown has put up incredible numbers, proving why he is one of the most dynamic high school guards in the nation. IIn seven games, he has averaged 29.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 62.7% from the field and 61.5% from three-point range.
His ability to control the game, break down defenders, and score at will has made him one of the most highly sought-after high school basketball players in Florida. His performance at DME Academy showcases the elite coaching, competition, and development opportunities that set the program apart.
Brown’s dominance extends far beyond Florida high school basketball. Competing at the highest levels, he has consistently proven himself as one of the best guards in the nation. With Team Loaded (N.C.) on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit, he averaged 23.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over 11 games. On the international stage, he helped USA Basketball’s U18 National Team win gold at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, starting all six games and contributing 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Brown’s McDonald’s All-American selection is just the beginning. As he takes the court in New York on April 1, he joins a legendary list of players who have worn the iconic McDonald’s All-American jersey—many of whom have gone on to NBA stardom.
His journey from DME Academy to the national stage is proof of the elite training, competition, and development opportunities available to student-athletes at DME.
For serious basketball players looking to take their game to the next level, DME Academy offers the ultimate training and development program. Whether you’re preparing for college basketball or looking to refine your skills under elite coaching, DME is where the best come to train. Click the link to learn more about our program.
Daytona, Fla. DME Academy is excited to welcome Jacob Lanier to our basketball program. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Jacob joins us after transferring from Arizona Compass. Ranked No. 52 in the Class of 2026 by ESPN and No. 2 in the state of Arkansas, Jacob is already making his mark in the recruiting world, holding offers from Arkansas, California, Kansas State, Creighton, and more.
Jacob’s skills on the court have earned him a reputation as one of the top shooting guards in the nation. Known for his sharp shooting and court vision, he adds another layer of strength to DME’s talented roster Head Coach Matt Panaggio shared his excitement about Jacob’s potential, saying, “Jacob is a great all-around player and an even better person. We are very proud to have him in our program. He will bring a new dynamic to the team as a great shooter and add another strong presence in the backcourt.”
Jacob joins a talented DME roster that includes standout players like No. 11-ranked Mikel Brown Jr. and Nathan Kirk. Coach Matt Panaggio emphasized the strength of this trio, stating they will be a challenge for any opponent to match. With his junior year underway, Jacob is preparing for a strong finish to the season and a senior campaign that promises even more success.
We are excited to see all that Jacob Lanier will achieve both on and off the court. Welcome to the DME Academy family, Jacob!
Daytona, FL. On November 15th, Michael Panaggio, head coach of the Girls High School National basketball team at DME Academy, earned his 100th career victory. The milestone was achieved during a Grind Session matchup in Miami, Florida, against the Academy of Central Florida.
Since stepping into his role, Panaggio has led the Girls National team to national prominence. Under his guidance, the team reached No. 15 in ESPN’s Top 25 rankings this season and has consistently competed against some of the toughest programs in the country.
The 100th win is a testament to the team’s hard work and Panaggio’s ability to inspire excellence. The team played with intensity, discipline, and unity, executing key plays down the stretch to seal the game.
Congratulations to Coach Panaggio and the Girls National team on this remarkable achievement. DME Academy celebrates this milestone as a reflection of the hard work and dedication that continue to define its basketball program.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Click here to learn more about our nationally ranked basketball program and discover how you can elevate your game at DME Academy.
Daytona, FL. DME Academy’s very own Mikel Brown Jr. has taken the next big step in his basketball career by committing to the University of Louisville. As the No. 11 player in the nation and one of the top point guards in the Class of 2025, Mikel continues to break school records, leaving a lasting legacy at DME and positioning himself among the elite in high school basketball.
Mikel’s time at DME Academy has been nothing short of historic. Averaging an impressive 29.3 points per game this season, alongside 4.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds, Mikel has proven to be a dominant force on the court. From his multiple game-winning shots to shattering his own scoring record for DME Academy, Mikel is leaving an undeniable mark at DME. His commitment to excellence and his relentless work ethic are a testament to what it means to be a DME athlete.
Mikel’s decision to commit to Louisville is a significant milestone, not just for him but for DME Academy. Under the guidance of head coach Pat Kelsey—who has previously coached NBA great point guards like Chris Paul and Jeff Teague—Mikel will be stepping into a program with a storied tradition of developing elite point guards like Peyton Siva and Donovan Mitchell.
“Mikel is a generational talent,” Coach Kelsey shared. “His skill, vision, and leadership are unparalleled. He’s the kind of player who changes the game—and he’s only just getting started.” This move cements Mikel’s place among the nation’s basketball elite and provides him with the perfect platform to further his career, with Louisville’s high-octane style of play and proven track record of success.
As a member of the USA Basketball U18 National Team, he helped secure a gold medal at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, showcasing his skills on an international stage. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to any challenge underscores why he is one of the most highly regarded players in the country.
“Mikel’s legacy at DME is built on hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to greatness,” said Dan Pannagio, Co-Founder at DME Academy. “We couldn’t be prouder to see him take this next step and continue to make his mark.”
Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
Mikel Brown Jr.’s journey is a testament to the power of elite coaching, a supportive environment, and relentless drive. At DME Academy, we’re committed to helping student-athletes achieve their goals on and off the court. Are you ready to elevate your game?
Speak with a Student Advisor today and discover how DME Academy can guide you toward success. Click here to get started!
Mikel Brown Jr., a standout at DME Academy and the No. 11 ranked high school basketball player in the nation, has added another accolade to his growing list of achievements. He has been nominated for USA Basketball’s 2024 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year, joining an elite group that includes NBA legends LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry.
Brown Jr. helped lead USA Basketball to the gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup. His all-around performance earned him a spot on the all-tournament team, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 25.0 minutes per game. As the team’s leader in assists and minutes, he demonstrated his ability to excel in high-pressure situations, whether distributing the ball, scoring from deep, or finishing on the fast break.
Thriving at DME Academy
Mikel Brown Jr. has been a dominant force since joining DME Academy, consistently raising the bar with his elite finishing skills and scoring ability, which has seen him break DME Academy’s scoring record twice. Fresh off a standout showing at the Palm Classic, Brown Jr. dropped 28 points with ease and added yet another buzzer-beater to his highlight reel. Known for his composure under pressure and versatility on the court, Brown Jr. continues to cement himself as one of the most dynamic guards in high school basketball.
Mikel Brown Jr.’s nomination as a 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Show your support for Mikel and cast your vote at USA Basketball’s website here.
Daytona, FL. The DME Academy’s girls’ soccer team recently competed in the prestigious IMG Showcase, one of the most competitive tournaments that brings together top teams from around the globe. The girls showcased their skills, teamwork, and resilience, finishing the weekend with an impressive second-place standing, just behind IMG.
The defensive unit was the backbone of the team’s success, securing clean sheets in all three matches. Credit goes to the outstanding efforts of our back line and goalkeeper: Bailey Wilson, Sophia Strong, Avonelle Thomas, Payton Robinson, Aubree Hickman, and Krista Hansen. Their discipline, communication, and composure under pressure ensured that no goals were conceded throughout the showcase.
The midfielders also played a crucial role in linking defense to attack, demonstrating exceptional work ethic and creativity. Alexandra Garceau was a standout performer, leading the team with three goals over the weekend. Her composure in front of the net and ability to capitalize on key opportunities were instrumental in the team’s success.
Head Coach Kioki Hutchings reflected on the team’s strong performance, stating, “Even though we finished in second place, there still is a lot to work to do as we make our way into the spring season.”
DME Academy is committed to fostering the growth of our athletes both on and off the field. Participating in events like the IMG Showcase not only highlights the caliber of our program but also highlights our mission to provide opportunities that elevate our players’ skills and exposure.
