Girls soccer at DME Academy is already making moves in the 2025–26 season. Just days after their opening match, the team is building on the work they put in last year and the summer training that kept players sharp. With returning experience and new talent, the program is positioned to compete at a high level.
Last season provided a solid platform for growth, and that momentum carried into the offseason. Preseason served as a vital period for regaining match fitness, integrating new players, and reinforcing the team’s established training model.
While the preseason period focused on growth and team chemistry, it also offered a clear evaluation point. Coaches observed which players maintained their conditioning and commitment over the summer.
“It usually takes a few sessions to knock off the cobwebs, but that initial adjustment period tells us a lot,” says Head Coach Kioki Hutchings.
As training sessions progress, the energy ramps up. Effort increases, intensity rises, and the coaching staff begins pushing players toward their full potential.
“By the end of the first week, we usually start getting the most out of the players,” Coach Kioki adds. “That’s when things start to really come together.”
As training sessions progressed, energy and intensity ramped up. Effort levels rose, and the coaching staff began pushing players toward their full potential.
“By the end of the first week, we usually start getting the most out of the players,” Hutchings adds. “That’s when things start to really come together.”
The focus is not just on conditioning but on smart preparation for the competitive calendar ahead. “We spend a lot of time making sure the players’ bodies are capable of competing at a high level,” Hutchings explains. “Now that the regular season is underway, we’ve shifted toward tactical preparation.”
With match fitness on the rise and a growing sense of team unity, DME Academy girls soccer has set a strong tone for the season ahead. The work done over the summer and in preseason is already paying off — and the team is ready to build on it in the matches to come.
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.
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Daytona, FL. Eighteen-year-old DME Academy soccer program alum Yan Diomande has signed with Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig. The deal, finalized this week, follows Diomande’s impressive run with CD Leganés in Spain’s top division. The reported transfer fee is around €20 million, making him one of the most valuable transfers in Leganés history.
This move highlights the steady rise of a player who has been on the radar since his time at DME Academy.
It’s a big move, but not a surprising one for those who’ve followed his rise.
Before heading to Europe, Diomande stood out in the United States Premier League, where he led the league in goals and earned attention for his athleticism, composure, and technical skill.
Leganés signed him in January 2025. Just weeks later, he made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid. He went on to earn starts against Barcelona, Mallorca, and Girona, proving himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
RB Leipzig, known for developing top youth talent, sees Diomande as a strong fit for their style of play.
“With Yan Diomande, we’ve signed an absolute top talent,” said Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer. “He’s a left winger with outstanding pace, strong dribbling, athleticism, and a real finishing instinct. He never loses the ball and plays a very team-oriented game. With these qualities, he’s a perfect fit for our style of play.”
Diomande will wear the number 49 shirt in his first Bundesliga season.
DME Academy is proud to have provided the foundation for Yan Diomande to reach his dream. The right environment, coaching, and daily standards are key to long-term success at the next level.
If you’re ready to elevate your game, click the link below and take the first step.
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Daytona, FL. Two former DME Academy athletes took the international spotlight this summer at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland. Mikel Brown Jr. 25’ (USA) and Savo Drezgic 24’ (Serbia) were both selected to represent their national teams. They competed against the world’s best in one of the most prestigious youth basketball tournaments.
Both guards used the opportunity to showcase their growth, skill, and readiness for the next level. Their performances further highlighted DME Academy’s role in preparing athletes for elite competition.
Mikel Brown Jr., an incoming freshman at the University of Louisville, was a key contributor in Team USA’s gold medal run. He averaged 14.9 points and 6.1 assists per game across seven contests. Brown led the team in both categories. He also shot 48 percent from the field, 48.8 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent from the free throw line.
He delivered multiple standout performances. That included 20 points and 8 assists against Canada in the quarterfinals, and 12 points and 4 assists in the gold medal game against Germany. His consistency and leadership earned him a spot on the tournament’s SwissBorg All-Star Five.
Savo Drezgic, who recently completed his freshman season at the University of Georgia, made a strong impression for Team Serbia during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. The 6’4″ point guard averaged 16.3 points per game. He shot 41.9 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from three, and 87.9 percent from the free throw line.
In Serbia’s Round-of-16 game against eventual silver medalist Germany, Drezgic scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. This performance earned him recognition as one of the Top Five Round‑of‑16 Performers at the tournament. He followed that with 18 points and 10 assists in a win over France, helping his team finish ninth overall.
Before the World Cup, Drezgic signed with Mega Superbet, a professional basketball team based in Belgrade. The former Georgia guard now returns to his native Serbia to begin his professional career.
Mikel and Savo are two examples of what’s possible with the right foundation. At DME Academy, athletes receive high-level coaching, exposure to elite competition, and a development system designed to prepare them for the next level.
If you’re ready to elevate your game, start your journey with us. Click here to speak to a student advisor today!
Daytona FL. DME Academy is strengthening its academy soccer program with the leadership of Kioki Hutchings, Director and Head Coach of the Girls Soccer Program. Since joining the staff, Coach Kioki has been instrumental in building the structure and culture of both the boys and girls teams.
A former NCAA Division II athlete at Lander University, Coach Kioki went on to play semi-professional soccer with multiple clubs. His playing career shaped his approach to coaching—focused on work ethic, accountability, and leadership development.
Since his arrival, the program has expanded to include two boys teams and one girls team. Each team reflects a commitment to high standards, discipline, and a shared goal of long-term success within the academy soccer environment.
“Lift your teammates through thick and thin,” said Coach Kioki. “Not everyone is going to have a great game every time. Take responsibility.”
Coach Kioki focuses on building complete athletes—both on and off the field. His coaching emphasizes core values such as trust, responsibility, and leadership. He promotes a team-first mindset while allowing room for individual creativity and growth.
“Hold yourself and your peers accountable when you could be doing more to reach our common goals,” he said. “Off the field, I expect players to understand that every action has a reaction.”
As the program continues to grow, Coach Kioki remains committed to raising the standard of academy soccer at DME. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the future is promising for student-athletes looking to compete at the next level.
To learn more about DME Academy’s soccer program, visit our website.
Daytona, FL. DME Academy is expanding its club soccer programming to Daytona, with official team launch set for the 2026/27 season. This new initiative follows the successful growth of DME Academy’s soccer programs in Sarasota and Tampa and reflects the academy’s broader commitment to athlete development across Florida.
The Daytona club soccer program will launch with tryouts in April/May 2026, preparing for competition in the Fall 2026 season. Ahead of that, DME will host a series of ID clinics beginning in Fall 2025, along with campus-based information sessions for prospective athletes and families.
The Daytona teams will be based at DME Academy’s Daytona campus, providing student-athletes with access to:
Lighted, professional-grade turf fields for training and competition
An on-site performance gym with custom strength and conditioning programs
Recovery tools and performance analytics to support long-term health and development
Experienced coaching staff with collegiate and professional backgrounds
Indoor futsal training space for use during inclement weather
Academic pathways for both commuters and full-time student-athletes
Jared Antista, Director of Soccer Development at DME, shared the vision:
“We’ve established a strong foundation in Sarasota and launched several teams in Tampa. Daytona is the next step in our plan to bring high-performance soccer to more athletes across the state. Our structure, resources, and values are resonating with families who want something more intentional than what traditional club environments provide.”
Dan Panaggio, Co-Founder of DME Academy, added:
“Bringing club soccer to Daytona gives student-athletes in the region access to a proven development model. With our facilities, trainers, and academic options, we’re able to support both athletic and personal growth—something that sets DME apart.”
Details on ID clinics, tryout registration, coaching staff, and program structure will be released in the coming months.
For additional information:
Visit the DME Academy Soccer Page
Learn more about DME Academy’s academic programs
Daytona, FL.
Daytona, FL. GiGi Battle and Chikae Desdunes are entering their senior year at DME Academy with national recognition and momentum.
ESPN’s latest update to the 2026 rankings puts GiGi at #42 and Chikae at #46. These rankings reflect years of consistent growth, discipline, and high-level performance.
GiGi has already passed 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in her high school career. She’s also ranked as the #1 girls basketball player in New Jersey.
Her recruitment includes visits and interest from Michigan, Iowa, Stanford, Illinois, Rutgers, Georgia, and Indiana. GiGi plays with power, finishes through contact, and brings a steady presence in big moments.
Chikae plays a key role at DME and has seen consistent success in the system. Already she has passed 2,000 points in her high school career and is currently ranked the #1 girls basketball player in Louisiana. She’s now listed at #46 in ESPN’s 2026 rankings.
She’s now ranked #46 in ESPN’s 2026 rankings.
Her recruitment includes offers from Oregon, West Virginia, Baylor, Colorado, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, and Alabama. Chikae continues to rise with a dynamic style and strong impact on both ends of the court.
GiGi and Chikae return to lead a group with experience and continuity. The schedule is national, the roster is competitive, and the expectations are high. This team has a real shot to contend for a state title and close out their careers by setting a new standard at DME.
DME Academy helps serious athletes train with purpose, compete against high-level programs, and build a path to the next level. With year-round structure, national exposure, and a staff that understands what it takes, we prepare players to perform when it counts.
Learn more about our program or speak with an advisor today.
Daytona, FL. Two athletes from DME Academy’s girls basketball academy—Micaela Cavalcanti (Brazil) and Lorrie Brown (Cayman Islands)—earned international honors at the 2025 Basketball Without Borders Americas Camp in San Salvador.
This prestigious four-day event brought together top high school-aged female athletes from Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean. Led by NBA and FIBA players, coaches, and legends, participants received skill training, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete with the region’s best.
Cavalcanti stood out for her skill, leadership, and sportsmanship. She earned the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award and was selected to the All-Star Team, making a strong impression on coaches and peers alike.
Meanwhile, Brown showcased her intensity and defensive presence on the court. Representing the Cayman Islands, she proved she belongs among the top prospects in the Americas. Her performance added to the growing list of DME athletes gaining international recognition.
DME Academy continues to prove itself as one of the top basketball prep schools for girls in the U.S. With elite coaching, a competitive national schedule, and a structured training program, DME helps athletes succeed at the next level—whether that’s college basketball or international play.
Student-athletes at DME train, study, and live in a supportive and structured environment. The academy combines on-court development with academics, nutrition, and mental performance coaching. As a result, every athlete is equipped to grow on and off the court.
DME Academy has helped players like Micaela and Lorrie earn international exposure and prepare for the next level. If you’re looking for a serious girls basketball academy that develops talent and character, start your journey here.
Learn more about our program or speak with an advisor now.
Daytona, FL.Louisville basketball commit Mikel Brown Jr. has been named one of the top eight freshmen to watch for the upcoming 2025–26 college basketball season, according to CBS Sports.
Brown, a 5-star point guard and former standout at DME Academy, was ranked No. 5 on the national list. He joins a group of elite recruits that includes Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darius Acuff Jr.
Brown is currently ranked as the No. 1 point guard in the class of 2025 by 247Sports and is already generating early buzz for the 2026 NBA Draft.
He committed to Louisville after receiving more than 25 offers from major programs, including Alabama, Kansas, Michigan, Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Cardinals now add one of the most college-ready guards in the country to a roster with national aspirations.
During his final year at DME Academy, Brown averaged 29.6 points per game. He earned McDonald’s All-American honors, won the 3-Point Contest at the McDonald’s All-American Game, and started for Team USA at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup—averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game.
His ability to control pace, create scoring opportunities, and take over games has made him a standout at every level. CBS Sports called him “a monumental win” for Louisville and a freshman expected to play a major role right away under head coach Pat Kelsey.
Brown’s development at DME Academy helped shape the player he is today. He competed against top-tier talent, trained in a professional environment, and earned opportunities through consistent, high-level play.
His path reflects what’s possible when talent, work ethic, and the right system come together.
DME Academy has helped athletes like Mikel Brown Jr. sharpen their skills, compete nationally, and prepare for what’s next. If you’re serious about your future, it starts with the right training environment.
Learn more about our program or speak with an advisor today.
Daytona, FL. Yan Diomande’s first goal in La Liga came in the 41st minute of Matchday 35—right foot, center of the box, no hesitation the 18-year-old midfielder, a standout from DME Academy in Florida, helped CD Leganés secure a crucial 3–2 win over Espanyol. With just three games left in the season, every point counts in their battle to avoid relegation.
Diomande’s finish wasn’t just a stat. It earned him a spot on the LaLiga EA Sports Team of the Week. At 18 years old, he’s now made 7 league appearances, 6 as a starter, and he’s helping keep Leganés alive in a tight relegation race. They sit 18th—just one point behind Alavés—with three matches left.
Leganés currently sits 18th in the league standings, just one point behind Alavés. With three games left, every goal—and every player—matters. Diomande’s rise comes at the perfect time.
Before he made his mark in Spain, he trained and developed at DME Academy in Florida. The same place that has helped athletes reach pro clubs, national teams, and top European leagues like La Liga and Serie A.
Before rising on Spain’s professional stage, Diomande trained at DME Academy in Daytona Beach. He honed his technical skills, learned elite-level discipline, and prepared for the kind of high-pressure moments that define a career.
At DME Academy, athletes don’t just dream—they prepare. Diomande’s La Liga goal proves what happens when talent meets the right training environment.
We’re proud to have played a part in Yan Diomande’s journey—and even prouder to see him shine on one of football’s biggest stages. If you’re an aspiring athlete ready to take the next step, the path starts here.