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.
Read the full feature on CBS Sports →
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, Fla. – DME Academy’s U18 girls basketball team made history by capturing the Chipotle Nationals Championship, capping off an exceptional run against the nation’s top competition and finishing the tournament with three straight statement wins.
Entering Chipotle Nationals with an impressive 22-4 record, DME Academy earned the No. 5 seed and opened tournament play against No. 4 seed Long Island Lutheran (LUHI). DME secured a hard-fought 55-50 victory, led by GiGi Battle, who was named Player of the Game after posting 16 points and 9 rebounds.
In the semifinal, DME faced tournament favorite and No. 1 seed St. James Academy. DME rose to the occasion with a commanding 60-50 win, powered by Sara Okeke, who earned Player of the Game honors with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block.
The championship game saw DME take on No. 3 seed Bull’s, where the team delivered its most dominant performance of the tournament in a 68-49 victory to claim the national title. GiGi Battle once again earned Player of the Game honors with a remarkable all-around performance of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, finishing just shy of a triple-double.
Battle’s outstanding tournament performance also earned her Tournament MVP honors. Sara Okeke and Timani Harris were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
While the accolades highlight some of the tournament’s standout performances, DME’s championship run was built on a complete team effort from start to finish.
“This was a full team effort in every sense,” DME Academy’s Girls Coach Matt Pannagio said. “Every player contributed something meaningful to this championship run. Their toughness, belief, and unselfishness showed up in every game. It was an amazing thing to witness and be a part of. These girls made history.”
The championship marks a landmark moment for DME Academy girls’ basketball and further establishes the program as one of the premier forces in high school basketball.
For DME Academy, this title was more than a tournament win. It was a defining statement about the strength of the program, the character of the team, and the history this group created together.
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
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy Men’s Basketball will set its sights on March Madness this weekend as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off tonight (March 17) with First Four Action.
Once again, DME shows off its premier ability to prepare athletes for the next level as four former DME stars take the court.
DME alumni in this year’s tournament include:
For fans of the bracket challenge, the first possible DME vs. DME meeting would come in the Second Round of the tournament if Trey Fort’s Michigan State and Mikel Brown’s Louisville both win their First Round matchups.
The DME alumni across the NCAA Tournament field reflect the program’s sustained success in developing elite talent capable of competing on college basketball’s biggest stage.
DME Academy wishes all four student-athletes the best of luck as they take the court on college basketball’s biggest stage.
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. – DME Academy Women’s Basketball continues to solidify its place among the nation’s premier development programs, with eight alumni set on seven different teams in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness).
The tournament tips off on Wednesday, March 18, with the First Four, and DME will be represented across multiple regions and top programs throughout the bracket.
DME alumni in this year’s tournament include:
One of the most exciting storylines of the opening round will feature a DME vs. DME matchup, as Iowa State takes on Syracuse on March 21 at 5:30 p.m., as Keira Scott and Olivia Schmitt of the Syracuse Orange take on Lilly Taulelei’s Iowa State Cyclones.
The presence of eight DME alumni across the NCAA Tournament field reflects the program’s sustained success in developing elite talent capable of competing on college basketball’s biggest stage.
From top seeds to emerging contenders, DME Academy’s impact will be felt throughout the tournament as its alumni look to make deep runs and compete for a national championship.
DME Academy wishes all eight student-athletes the best of luck as they take the court on college basketball’s biggest stage.
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.