Kris Murray, DME Academy Post-Graduate basketball alumnus (‘20), is gearing up for the 2023 NBA Draft – and analysts anticipate he’ll be a hot pick.
The 6’8” forward for the University of Iowa has had an incredible basketball career so far, and will undoubtedly continue to dominate at the professional level. However, Murray wasn’t always a top prospect.
Kris Murray came to DME Academy as a 3-star recruit, knowing that he had potential that hadn’t yet been reached. Although he was initially unsure about attending a prep school program in Florida, visiting and experiencing the campus culture made him realize he had made the right decision. Kris said, “I was nervous coming to DME because it was the first time I had really been away from home, but when I arrived here, it felt like home. It’s ultimately a family environment and it put me at ease, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”
He spent his post-graduate year in Daytona Beach training alongside DME’s elite coaches and trainers, developing his game on and off the court, and competing in one of the country’s most competitive basketball conferences. A 247 Sports reporter described Kris and twin brother Keegan’s impressive development, stating, “They went to DME Academy and it became one of the best decisions they ever made.”
In October 2019, DME Academy hosted top competition like IMG Academy and MontVerde Academy at the DME Jamboree. Murray put on a show for fans and spectators, and gave top SEC, ACC, and Big Ten basketball coaches a new name to add to their watch lists. It was then that the offers started rolling in, and the Murray brothers chose to head back to their home state of Iowa to don the black and gold.
DME Academy retired Murray’s number (#25) in July 2022, after his impressive performance at the academy, and then at the college level. DME Academy Founder, Dan Panaggio, described it as an easy decision, stating, “Character, drive and dedication are all characteristics we demand of current and future DME student-athletes, and the Murray brothers are a perfect example of that.”
Analysts expect Murray to be picked up in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, which will air on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8pm ET on ABC and ESPN. To keep up with Murray’s draft status, follow along here.
To learn how you too can make your dreams a reality, check out DME Academy’s basketball program.
The DME Academy 12U baseball team was on tour last weekend. The Florida baseball team packed their bags and headed up to Cooperstown Dreams Park for the annual baseball tournament. Known as “America’s Baseball Summer Camp”, this tournament honors traditional values of faith, and baseball and hosts teams from all over the country.
Since the tournament’s origin, 25 years ago, Cooperstown Dreams Park has become a place for families to vacation while playing real, competitive baseball. The tournament also hosts a home run derby for young athletes.
DME Academy’s 12U baseball team was one of the fortunate teams to be invited to the tournament and played 6 games. They ended the tournament with a winning record of four wins and two losses.
During the first game on Saturday, DME Academy put up seven runs in the fourth inning and five home runs, which helped the team to victory over the Oregon Park Rangers. The final score was 16-4 in favor of DME Academy.
Sunday, DME Academy was up against the Denver Royals Baseball Club. DME put up seven runs in the third inning. Zach Killian, who is also on DME Academy’s Middle school team, proved to be a big bat for DME, sending a ball over the fence for a home run in the first inning. Overall, DME had 8 home runs on the day and won 17-8.
DME Academy baseball claimed a 13-9 victory in the second game of Sunday against Bucs Baseball Club. Both offenses were strong at the plate as DME Academy National 12U collected 15 hits and Bucs Baseball Club recorded 11 in the high-scoring affair. DME scored three home runs on the day to secure the win.
DME snatched the lead late in the game in a victory over Willoughby Wildcats Reynolds 12U on Monday to round out their win streak. The game was tied at four with DME Academy National 12U batting in the top of the fifth when Sebastian V homered on a 3-1 count, scoring two runs. DME launched five home runs on the day. The home run tally with Zach in the fourth, Sebastian in the fifth, Liam in the sixth and Justin pulling double duty in both the first and the fifth innings. The final score of the game was 9-4 in favor of DME.
The remainder of the tournament did not yield any more wins for DME, as they fell to the Texas Mizuno Autry 15-3 and also succumbed to the Next Level Prospects in a hard-fought loss 24-20. Overall, the tournament was a success and DME Academy’s baseball team had a ton of fun and learned a lot about the tradition of baseball at Cooperstown Dreams Park.
Interested in our DME’s growing baseball academy? Check it out here!
DME Academy girls basketball student-athletes, Ines Goryanova and Keira Scott, have both earned spots on the prestigious ESPNW Top 100 ranking list for 2024 recruits.
Goryanova, a point guard for DME, earned the 79th ranking spot on the list. This remarkable playmaker continues to receive offers from renowned Division I programs, but she is yet to make a decision regarding her future beyond DME.
Occupying the 89th spot on the list is Keira Scott, a versatile 6’2″ wing for DME. Scott had an abundance of Division I offers to choose from but ultimately decided to commit to Syracuse University once she completes her studies at DME Academy.
With their impressive ESPNW Top 100 rankings, Goryanova and Scott add to DME’s girls basketball program’s ‘HERstory’ of developing elite student-athletes. In the class of 2022, DME Academy had two players ranked in ESPNW’s Top 100, as well. Sydney Shaw, the now starting point guard for Auburn University ranked 50th, while University of Georgia forward, Amiya Evans, earned the 66th spot.
If you dream of becoming one of the best in the country, check out DME’s girls basketball program.
DME Academy volleyball player, Sarah Stegall, has been named to Florida’s Team USA Volleyball team!
DME Academy volleyball player, Sarah Stegall, has been named to Florida’s Team USA Volleyball team.
Stegall was invited to the program’s Selection Camp in June where she was able to showcase her talents on the court. She was one of only twelve players chosen to represent the state of Florida on their U15 National Team. The squad will compete against other all-star teams from across the nation at the upcoming USA Volleyball All-Star Championships in Fort Lauderdale, a 5-day tournament at the end of July.
Being named to any of the regional Team USA Volleyball teams is an impressive accomplishment and an opportunity for these young athletes to further their volleyball careers. At the championships, the teams will be coached by current college-level coaches as they square up against the best of the best.
Rodrigo Saunders, DME Academy’s volleyball coach, stated, “Sarah Stegall is super dedicated to her volleyball career and is one of the most committed players I have ever had the chance to coach. She is always trying to learn something new and expand her skill set. This is a great opportunity for her to compete amongst some of the best players in her age group, even in the 15s, and I am super excited to see how far her volleyball career goes.”
Dream of competing at the highest levels like Sarah Stegall? You can learn more about DME Academy’s volleyball program here!
DME Academy Invests in Soccer Program With New Regulation-Sized Turf Field
DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida continues to expand its campus with a brand new regulation-sized turf field showing it is 100% committed to student-athlete progression. DME is making significant strides in its commitment to providing top-notch facilities for athletes. The latest addition to the campus in Daytona Beach, Florida is an impressive 75,000+ sq. ft. turf soccer field, which completed construction on May 24th, 2023. The new field will not only serve as the venue for our Middle School and High School soccer games next season but will also host the highly anticipated Soccer Summer Prep camp from June 25th – July 22nd.
“The installation of a turf soccer field at our Daytona Beach DME Academy campus is a testament to our institution’s dedication to fostering excellence in soccer,” says Dan Panaggio, CEO of DME Academy. “With its durable and versatile surface, the turf field will offer a consistent and high-quality playing surface for student-athletes trying to reach the next level.”
This state-of-the-art facility will enhance training sessions, allowing players to sharpen their skills and elevate their game to new heights. Additionally, the field’s synthetic nature ensures reliable performance, regardless of weather conditions, making it a perfect venue for competitive matches. The addition of lights will also make it possible to host games at night, even when the days get shorter in the winter.
The investment that DME has made into our growing soccer program has shown how serious we are in developing our student-athletes,” says Todd Eason, Director of Soccer at DME Academy. “The state-of-the-art soccer facility is a game-changer for the soccer program. Our ability to now host high-level competitions, offer showcase events, and provide regular training on a regulation-sized field, will only bring more recognition to DME Academy’s soccer program.”
The significance of the new turf soccer field goes beyond mere convenience. By hosting the Soccer Summer Prep camp on this exceptional playing surface, DME Academy is providing a platform for aspiring young athletes to refine their abilities under expert guidance. The camp will attract talented soccer players from across the globe, creating a vibrant and competitive environment for skill development. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and engage in rigorous training sessions, preparing them for the challenges of competitive soccer and getting them ready for the collegiate level.
Interested in playing soccer at DME Academy? Find out more about our program here!
Daytona Beach, FL – On May 25, 2023, DME Academy and St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA) announced an exciting new partnership between the two academic institutions.
Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, DME and SJNA will work together to amplify the sports program at St. John’s Northwestern in Delafield, Wisconsin. The joint venture kicks off with 11-year NBA veteran Wesley Person, currently at DME Academy in Daytona, Florida, bringing the successful DME basketball academy to SJNA. This move is the beginning of what both academies expect to be a deeper relationship whereby DME Academy will lead and grow more sports programs at the SJNA campus.
“We are so excited to partner with DME Academy,” said Bob Fine, President of SJNA. “They bring an instantly recognizable sports name to boost our already strong academic and athletic programs here at St. John’s Northwestern. Together with DME, the program has never been in safer hands, and the power of the two brands will provide our student-athletes with a pathway for success both on and off the court.”
The basketball brand of St. John’s Northwestern will be on show this summer at the 2023 NBA Draft by Brandin Podziemski ’21. The Lancer great is projected to be drafted in the first round and was named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Co-Player of the Year during his time at Santa Clara University. At SJNA, Podziemski racked up over 2,000 career points, was a three-time All-State honoree, and in 2021 he earned the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball, along with the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year.
DME Academy has quickly grown its Daytona campus from 75 to 225 full-time student-athletes over the past three years, built on a reputation for delivering a world-class experience. DME will be bringing in its elite admissions and recruiting team, which features an international arm, experienced coaches, support staff, relationships, and pathway opportunities for all student-athletes.
On the court, DME also brings with them a proven history of preparing players to excel at the top levels of the game. Just this season, DME Academy alumni Keegan Murray was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft and has broken into the scene in a huge way, smashing the all-time record for made three-pointers by a rookie with 206.
“As DME continues to grow, it’s essential to find the right partners that share our vision for providing a better experience for student-athletes. SJNA has a beautiful campus, academic success, great facilities, committed staff, and the shared belief that together we can accomplish more. We are ready to collaborate and bring the best of both institutions to the table,” stated Dan Panaggio, Founder of DME Academy.
With the new partnership, student-athletes who choose to join the “DME at SJNA” program will also have the opportunity to tap into SJNA’s 140 years of academic excellence, including dual enrollment college and AP courses, STEM curriculum, leadership development, and a top-level aviation program.
To learn more or apply to be a part of the DME at SJNA partnership in Delafield, Wisconsin click here:
Founded in 1884, St. John’s Northwestern Academies develops young men and women inspired to become responsible citizens and moral and ethical leaders for the global community through excellence in Academics, Leadership Skills, Spiritual and Character Development, and well-being through Athletic Activities and Healthy Life Habits. For more information, visit sjnacademies.org.
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Staying active is a crucial part of any baseball player’s off-season. Despite high school seasons coming to an end, athletes in Florida are fortunate enough to be able to train year-round at DME Academy! Here are the main things you should keep in mind during your summer baseball training from our Director of Baseball, Michael Main!
Strength and conditioning: Baseball student-athletes need to maintain their strength and conditioning during the summer. This can include a combination of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and cardiovascular activities. Emphasize exercises that target key muscle groups used in baseball, such as your core, legs, and upper body.
Skill development: At DME, we encourage our student-athletes to continue practicing their baseball skills during the summer. This includes hitting, throwing, fielding, and base-running drills. DME encourages our baseball players to practice with their teammates to boost competition and chemistry.
Flexibility and mobility: We can’t stress this enough, you NEED to stay flexible. We love seeing our athletes incorporating activities such as stretching, yoga, and mobility exercises into their routines. Flexibility and mobility can help prevent injuries, improve performance and enhance overall athleticism on the baseball diamond.
We understand many of you are in a hurry to strengthen your skills. But rest and recovery days are just as important as training days. Prioritizing rest lets your body recover to prevent burnout.
Interested in training properly this upcoming Summer? Check out our upcoming Summer Prep camp!
Here is a sample baseball summer training plan written by DME Academy’s Director of Baseball, Michael Main for student-athletes. This program incorporates strength and conditioning, skill development, flexibility and mobility:
Strength and Conditioning (3-4 times per week):
Warm-up: Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up, including exercises such as jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and lunges.
Resistance Training: Include exercises that target major muscle groups used in baseball, such as squats, lunges, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, and rows. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise, progressively increasing weight as appropriate.
Core Training: Incorporate core exercises such as planks, Russian twists, medicine ball throws, and stability ball exercises. Aim for 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps or holds.
Plyometrics: Include explosive exercises like box jumps, medicine ball slams, and lateral bounds to improve power and athleticism. Perform 2-3 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise.
Skill Development (3-4 times per week):
Hitting: Practice various hitting drills, including tee work, soft toss and live batting practice. Focus on technique, bat speed, and pitch recognition.
Throwing: Work on throwing mechanics, accuracy, and arm strength. Incorporate long toss drills, throwing against a wall, and partner drills.
Fielding: Practice fielding ground balls, pop-ups and working on footwork. Incorporate different fielding scenarios and positions to develop versatility.
Base-running: Work on speed, agility and base-running techniques. Include drills like sprint intervals, cone drills and baserunning simulations.
Flexibility and Mobility (3-4 times per week):
Dynamic Stretching: Perform dynamic stretching exercises such as leg swings, arm circles and hip rotations before each training session.
Static Stretching: Incorporate static stretches for major muscle groups after each workout or training session. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
Yoga or Pilates: Encourage participation in yoga or Pilates classes to improve flexibility, balance and body awareness.
Foam Rolling: Teach athletes to use foam rollers to self-massage and release tight muscles, enhancing recovery and flexibility.
The 14-1 and 15-1 aged DME Academy Club Volleyball teams have shown exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the season, earning them spots in the 2023 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. These teams have consistently displayed a high level of play, winning crucial matches and dominating their opponents with their precise serves, powerful spikes, and exceptional defense. Their coaches and fans are immensely proud of their achievements and eagerly await their performance on the National stage.
The 14-1 and 15-1 teams have faced stiff competition throughout the season, but their determination and hard work have paid off. They have focused on improving their skills and techniques, as well as their mental and physical conditioning, allowing them to perform at their best in every game. Their dedication and discipline have not gone unnoticed, as they have inspired their teammates and coaches to work harder and strive for excellence.
The 14-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Brooke VanBrocklin and Rodrigo Saunders, consists of Emma Cronje, Nailah Cullom, Jade Gunter, Mollie Hale, Sofia Mackin, Keri Petro, Arden Reynolds, Sarah Stegall, Grace Taylor, Sadie VanBrocklin, and Lillian VanDeusen.
The 15-1 DME Academy Club volleyball team, coached by Alvaro Sanchez and Rodrigo Saunders consists of Riley Bennet, Isabella Bosinki, Taylor Fonseca, Annabelle Gentry, Emma Jandrew, Teagun Lux, Jasmine Mahoney, Logan Milan, Syramil Quinones, Ava Scott, Tori Stoltzfus, and Paige Taylor.
As they prepare for the national tournament, the 14-1 and 15-1 teams are determined to give their best and leave everything on the court. They know that the competition will be tough, but they are ready for the challenge. Their goal is not only to win but to showcase their skills and sportsmanship, representing their team and community with pride. They are confident in their abilities, and their fans are confident in them. We wish them the best of luck at the GJNC National tournament At McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago Illinois, June 28th-July 6th! We are wishing them the best of luck!
Three 18-1 DME Academy volleyball players, Caroline Myers, Sadie Rich, and Anna Khrapova are taking their talents to the next level!
DME Academy’s volleyball team is once again making its mark in the world of collegiate sports. Three players have recently committed to playing volleyball in college and their journey is nothing short of inspiring. These girls have been playing together for years, perfecting their skills and pushing themselves to be the best that they can be. Now, their hard work has finally paid off and they are headed to the next level.
First up is Caroline Myer, a talented setter who has been a standout player on the DME team for years. She has recently committed to playing at Ave Maria University, where she will be attending school and hitting the court at a Gyrene starting this 2023-24 season. Myer is known for her precise sets and quick thinking on the court, and she is sure to make a big impact at the collegiate level.
Sadie Rich, a strong right side who has been a key player for the 18-1 DME Academy volleyball team, has signed to play for Chatt State in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rich’s powerful spikes and strong presence on the court make her a force to be reckoned with, and she is sure to thrive in the competitive world of college volleyball.
Anna Khrapova, a versatile setter who has excelled on the court and in the classroom at DME, has signed to play for Lawrence Technological University. Khrapova’s ability to play multiple positions and her unwavering determination make her a valuable asset to any team, and she is sure to make an impact as a Blue Devil.
“It has been a pleasure to watch these young women grow in our program here at DME,” says Dawn Moses, Director of Volleyball at DME Academy. “These ladies stayed loyal to the DME volleyball program and ended with a great 18’s season. Caroline led the offense most of the year, while Sadie worked her magic at the net. Anna was a utility player that performed wherever she was needed on a given weekend. We wish them the best of luck and cannot wait to watch them grow in this sport.”
These three girls from DME Academy’s 18-1 volleyball team are proof that hard work and dedication pay off in the end. They have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and improve their game, and now they are headed to the next level. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented athletes and we wish them all the best in their college careers.
Want to take your volleyball game to the next level with DME? Click here!
With more than 200 fans & supporters in attendance, the match between DME Academy and the Next Generation 04/05 team from Sarasota, FL was a huge success. This exhibition was of course about soccer but more importantly, it was an opportunity to build culture and showcase the vision for the partnership between DME Academy in Daytona and DME Academy in Sarasota. With Carousel’s Icery on hand, games for the kids, candy stations, apparel for purchase, and all proceeds going to fund the Sarasota club’s tournament participation, it was a great experience for everyone in attendance.
The match itself featured some hard-nosed play and boasted some incredible soccer by both teams. The DME Academy boys found the back of the net with some dynamic play and cool finishing. Next Generation soccer fought hard but in the end, we ended up winning with a score of 6-0.
“We were happy to take the bus down here and scrimmage Sarasota. That team is strong & they played well. There are some really good players here already and we’re going to keep building the DME Soccer program across this state. Thank you for the hospitality to JT, Jared, and the rest of the Sarasota team that organized the event. We’ll definitely be back down or have the boys up to our field to play soon.” says, Todd Eason, Director of Soccer at DME Academy.
This game is much more about opportunities and pathways than it is about the scoreline. Some of the Sarasota boys are already guests playing with the National team here at DME. The goal of this event was set up to unite the two clubs and show everyone the vision and possible pathways for committed and skilled soccer players in all of Southern-Central Florida.
