Daytona Beach, FL. At DME Academy, student-athletes train for more than just victories on the court or field. They prepare for success in every aspect of life. While DME athletes consistently compete at the highest levels, the Academy’s mission extends well beyond athletic achievement. By providing rigorous academics, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities, DME equips students with the tools to thrive in college, their careers, and life after sports.

Academic Excellence with a Competitive Edge

DME’s academic program challenges students with coursework designed to prepare them for the nation’s top universities. Through innovative partnerships, such as dual-credit science classes offered in collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, students gain access to advanced curriculum that few high schools can offer. This combination of elite athletics and academic strength ensures that DME graduates are prepared both for the next level of competition and the classroom challenges ahead.

Building Leaders Beyond Sports

Character and leadership development are at the core of the DME experience. Student-athletes learn the discipline required to succeed in competition while also building responsibility, time management, problem-solving, and accountability skills. These lessons prepare them to become leaders in their chosen fields, whether on a team, in a career, or within their communities.

A Global Learning Environment

With students representing countries from around the world, DME provides a uniquely international environment. Living and learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds enhances communication, adaptability, and global awareness. These are qualities that will serve students well as they step into college athletics and an increasingly interconnected world.

Preparing for Life Beyond the Game

The mission of DME Academy is to shape well-rounded individuals who excel not only as athletes but as scholars and leaders. Students graduate with a strong foundation built on academic achievement, athletic performance, and character development. They are prepared to succeed in college, in their professional careers, and in life beyond athletics.

About DME Academy

DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.

Daytona, FL. DME Academy’s very own Gigi Battle has taken the next big step in her basketball career by committing to Indiana University. As the No. 42 player in the nation and No. 1 player in the state of New Jersey, Gigi continues to break school records, leaving a lasting legacy at DME and positioning herself among the elite in high school basketball.

Gigi’s time at DME Academy has been nothing short of historic. Having already surpassed 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds, along with averaging 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Gigi has established herself as a dominant force on the court. Her commitment to excellence and relentless work ethic embody what it truly means to be a DME athlete.

Gigi’s decision to commit to Indiana University marks a major milestone, not only for her but also for DME Academy. Under the leadership of head coach Teri Moren—who has built the Hoosiers into one of the nation’s top women’s basketball programs—Gigi will be stepping into a culture known for developing elite players and competing at the highest level of the Big Ten. 

At DME, Gigi played a pivotal role in leading her team, contributing in high pressure matchups, and establishing herself as a reliable leader on and off the court.  Her transition to Indiana offers the perfect stage to continue her growth, while also competing against top-tier opponents along with preparing to make an impact at the collegiate level. 

Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?

Gigi Battle’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!

DME Academy Women’s Basketball will compete in the Grind Session Women’s Power Conference this season. The Grind Session is one of the premier high school basketball circuits, and DME enters with unfinished business after advancing to last year’s Grind Session championship final. The team went undefeated in the regular season before falling to Royal Crown School by a single point in the title game.

About the Grind Session Women’s Power Conference

The Grind Session Women’s Power Conference is the top tier of the Grind Session, an elite winter circuit for prep and high school basketball programs. This invitation-only division includes 10 of the best teams from the United States and Canada. From November through March, programs compete in showcase events across North America, with results tracked in national standings.

The season concludes with a postseason championship in March. Games are broadcast on Tanager Sports TV and hosted at major venues across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about the Grind Session here.

Returning Talent

The roster features a strong backcourt led by Gigi Battle, the reigning Grind Session Player of the Year, and Chikae Desdunes, whose leadership and two-way play bring balance to the lineup. They are joined by Micaela Cavalcanit, Sther Ubaka, Sara Okeke, and Timani Harris.

Grind Session Competition

DME Academy will face the following teams in the Grind Session Women’s Power Conference:

About DME Academy

DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a premier training and educational institution for student-athletes. With elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a culture that builds both skill and character, DME prepares athletes for success at the next level and beyond.

Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.

DME Academy proudly celebrates basketball coach Anthony Roberson. This fall he will return to his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan to be inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame.

A Career Built on Excellence

Anthony Roberson, basketball coach and standout guard, first made his mark at Saginaw High School. He averaged 24 points per game as a junior. As a senior he raised his numbers to 30 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds per game. His leadership carried Saginaw to the state semifinals. Meanwhile his talent earned him national recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 2002. By the end of his high school career, Roberson had scored 1,900 points. As a result he became a top recruit for programs across the country. Ultimately he chose the University of Florida to continue his journey.

At Florida, Roberson became one of the SEC’s most decorated players. His honors included SEC Tournament Champion, SEC Freshman of the Year, two-time AP All-American, two-time First-Team All-SEC, and All-SEC Tournament Team. Over three seasons he proved to be a key figure for the Gators. Afterward he pursued his professional aspirations.

Roberson’s professional career spanned the NBA, the D-League, and international play. His stops included Israel, France, China, and more.

Honoring a Hometown Hero

The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame will host its induction banquet on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw. Learn more about the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame here.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Today, Anthony Roberson serves as a basketball coach at DME Academy, where he channels his experience and passion into developing young athletes. His career stands as a model of dedication and perseverance, inspiring the next generation to pursue excellence on and off the court.

About DME Academy

DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a premier training and educational institution for dedicated student-athletes. With elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a culture that builds both skill and character, DME helps athletes succeed at the next level and beyond.

Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.

DME Academy is proud to welcome Coach Lauren Park-Lane to its girls basketball program. Her record-setting college career has left a lasting mark on the game. Now she inspires DME athletes every day, bringing elite experience and a passion for developing the next generation of players.

Lauren Park-Lane’s Record-Breaking Legacy at Seton Hall

At Seton Hall University, Lauren Park-Lane wrote her own record book. She became the program’s single-season assist leader with 213 and finished her career with 2,223 points and 911 assists. She was also a three-time All-Big East First Team selection, twice unanimously. In addition, she averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game, ranking among the top scoring guards in the nation.

Lauren Park-Lane Transfers to Mississippi State

With one season of eligibility remaining, Park-Lane entered the transfer portal. Ranked No. 16 on ESPN’s list of available players, she chose to continue her career at Mississippi State.

At Mississippi State, Lauren Park-Lane continued her remarkable play. She ranked seventh nationally and led the SEC in assists with 213, marking her third straight season with more than 200 assists. She averaged 6.1 assists per game and was one of only three players nationally to reach that mark, alongside Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and Colorado State’s McKenna Hofschild.

Recently, Mississippi State coaches attended a DME Academy Girls Basketball open gym. During their visit, they surprised Park-Lane by presenting her with her framed game-worn jersey.

Inspiring the Next Generation at DME Academy

Now at DME Academy, Lauren Park-Lane brings her knowledge and passion to the Girls Basketball team. Her journey shows young athletes the dedication and determination it takes to excel at the highest level.

About DME Academy

DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a premier training and educational institution for student-athletes. With elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a culture that builds both skill and character, DME prepares athletes for success at the next level and beyond.

Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.

DME Academy Varsity blanked TNXL Academy Varsity Ducks 7-0 on Monday as three pitchers combined for a dominant shutout. The victory was another strong showing for DME’s Florida baseball program, where pitching and power hitting continue to set the tone.

Pitching Depth Leads the Way in Florida Baseball

Konosuke Shimizu opened the game with confidence. The right-hander threw five shutout innings, allowing four hits while striking out four. Shiloh Gallimore and Jason Bruce came on in relief, each adding scoreless innings to complete the Florida baseball win. Gallimore sealed the shutout by striking out the final batter.

Kilian’s Bat Powers the Offense

At the plate, Zach Kilian was unstoppable. He went four-for-four, hitting a home run in the fifth inning, doubling twice earlier in the game, and adding a single in the seventh. His bat drove in key runs and gave DME a commanding lead.

Other contributors included Aedan Connolly, who collected two hits and scored in the opening inning, and Ayumu Nakamura, who reached base twice and added an RBI. In addition, Shimizu lifted a sacrifice fly in the third inning to extend the lead.

Florida Baseball Victory Built on Team Play

DME’s offense opened the scoring in the first inning, capitalizing on singles and walks to build an early cushion. The team added another run in the third and three more in the fifth. By the end of the night, the lineup had produced seven runs on timely hits and disciplined at-bats.

Defensively, DME Academy Varsity turned a double play and kept TNXL from mounting any serious rally. Meanwhile, TNXL’s Braeden Gaffney managed two hits, but it wasn’t enough to break through against DME’s pitching staff.

About DME Academy Baseball

DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to one of the state’s premier baseball programs. With elite coaching, year-round competition, and player development that prepares athletes for the next level, DME continues to build a tradition of excellence on the diamond.

Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.

Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to celebrate a former soccer standout, Mamadou Billo Diop, who was recently named the MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for August after a breakout performance with Colorado Rapids 2.

The 18-year-old striker delivered a dominant month, scoring six goals and recording one assist across five appearances. Diop kicked off August with a brace against defending MLS NEXT Pro champions North Texas SC and followed it up with the first hat trick of his professional career in a win over Austin FC II. That three-goal performance also earned him MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek (Week 23) honors.

Since signing his first professional contract with Colorado Rapids 2 in March 2025, Diop has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers. He has tallied 12 goals and two assists this season, leading his team in both categories and ranking tied for fourth overall in MLS NEXT Pro for goals scored.

“The recognition Billo has earned speaks volumes about both his individual progress and the competitive environment within Rapids 2,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager. “His ability to grow into a key contributor at such a young age is a testament to his work ethic and the support system around him.”

Diop’s rapid rise from DME Academy standout to MLS NEXT Pro star underscores DME’s mission of preparing student-athletes to succeed at the next level, whether in college athletics or the professional game.

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. – On Sunday, September 7, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) welcomed 122 new incoming players to the league, and a DME Academy alumnus was among the first selected.

Class of 2020 graduate Dalph Panopio was selected No. 3 overall by Blackwater in the first round of the PBA Draft held at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Metro Manila, Philippines.

After his standout career at DME Academy, Panopio continued his basketball and academic journey at NCAA Division I Cal State Bakersfield, where he averaged 15 minutes per game and added 4.1 points per game on .496 shooting from the field.

Panopio’s journey from DME Academy to Division I basketball and now to the highest level of professional competition in the Philippines is a testament to his dedication and talent. His success also reinforces DME’s proven track record of preparing athletes for success at the collegiate and professional levels.

About DME AcademyDME 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 is proud to announce the additions of David Proctor and Stewart Flaherty as head coaches for the boys’ soccer program. With decades of combined experience in professional, collegiate, and academy soccer, Proctor and Flaherty bring elite expertise to DME’s student-athletes.

Proctor most recently served as head coach of the Savannah Clovers in the NISA league, guiding the club to the 2023 NISA Independent Cup (Southern Region) championship. His U.S. coaching career has included academy positions with MLS franchises Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew, where he helped develop players such as U.S. Men’s National Team star Sam Vines. Proctor also worked as an assistant with Nashville SC during their inaugural USL Championship season, which was highlighted by an upset win over MLS side Colorado Rapids in U.S. Open Cup play.

A product of the Aston Villa academy, Proctor played professionally in various levels of English Football with Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Halifax Town before finishing his career in the U.S. with Indiana Blast and Richmond Kickers.

“David’s experience in both youth academies and the professional ranks is an excellent fit for our program,” said Thomas Baudinet, Athletic Director, DME Academy. “He understands player development at every level and what it takes to succeed at the highest stages of the game.”

Flaherty brings 17 years of NCAA coaching experience across Divisions I, II, and III, as well as a NISA national championship with the Michigan Stars. After taking over midseason, he led the Stars to clean sheets in 12 of 13 games and a flawless playoff run. His collegiate coaching career included posts at Felician University, Bates College, and Dartmouth College, where he developed numerous players who went on to professional careers.

Beyond the college game, Flaherty spent eight summers with USL League 2’s Portland Phoenix, helping develop more than 60 future professionals, including MLS veteran Wyatt Omsberg. Most recently, he coached in Texas, leading an expansion team to a 7-4-1 record and moving striker Pato Botello-Faz into the professional ranks with Union Omaha (USL 1). A qualified Sport Psychologist, Flaherty also consults with athletes across 17 sports, including UFC fighters and world-class boxers.

“Stewart was one of the first calls I made after taking over the DME program,” said Coach Proctor. “We coached in NISA at the same time, and his teams were always among the most organized in the league. We share similar values, and I am confident he will help us achieve our goals.”

With the addition of Proctor and Flaherty, DME Academy continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in soccer development, preparing athletes to excel at the collegiate and professional levels.

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. – At DME Academy, the start of the 2025-26 baseball campaign is right around the corner, and head coach Michael Mains is armed with a roster that reflects both local talent and international reach. With a history of developing student-athletes who go on to compete at the NCAA Division I and professional levels, DME’s baseball program is poised for another competitive year.

Season Preview

The 2025 squad features a strong core of returning players paired with a talented international group. The team is set to compete in a 20-game fall schedule that includes two Perfect Game tournaments before entering an expanded spring slate highlighted by Florida Independent Schools Association (FISA) competition and a push for a playoff championship.

“We’re super excited,” said Mains. “Our group is young but focused—mostly 9th–11th graders—and we expect to compete at a varsity level. We over-performed last year, and I think we’re better this year.”

International Spotlight

DME’s roster now represents multiple countries, fulfilling the Academy’s vision of building a truly global program. Players from Japan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas will suit up this season.

“Our international players have fit in really well,” Main said. “We’ve got two from Japan on campus now and a player from Mexico, with two more internationals arriving soon. It’s already opening a new audience for us; we’ve gained 20–30 new Japanese followers this week alone.”

One to Watch

Among the standouts this year is Zack Killian, who earned recognition on the Perfect Game All-State team.

“Zack’s selection is a big deal and a reflection of the work he’s put in,” said Main. “We’re excited to see how his development continues this season.”

First Game

DME kicks off the season on the road on September 11 at 12 p.m. when they head to Ocoee, Florida, to face off against TNXL Academy.

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.