Daytona Beach, FL —DME Academy is proud to welcome Ryan Hampton, one of the nation’s premier basketball prospects, to our boys’ basketball program. Hampton is a five-star junior and ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2027. He will compete in Daytona Beach for the next two seasons.
The 6-foot-7 guard/wing is the younger brother of NBA guard RJ Hampton. Like his brother, Ryan has quickly become one of the most recruited players in the country. He already holds offers from Kansas, USC, Louisville, Villanova, Memphis, Auburn, and several other top programs.
Hampton brings championship experience to DME. After beginning his career at Rockwall-Heath High School (TX), he spent time at South Central Prep (OK) before playing for Jermaine O’Neal’s Dynamic Prep (TX). There, he helped lead the program to a runner-up finish at the prestigious Chipotle Nationals.
On the Nike EYBL circuit with Drive Nation, Hampton stood out as one of the most efficient scorers in the country, averaging more than 25 points per game this summer.
“Ryan is a special talent, and he comes from a great family,” said DME Head Coach Matt Panaggio. “We are excited to get a chance to help him continue to grow and reach his potential here at DME for the next two years.”
With his athleticism, length, and ability to score at all three levels, Hampton will make an immediate impact. He strengthens an already talented roster and will help DME as we look to defend our state championship this season.
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 volleyball program took another step forward this past weekend, traveling to Puerto Rico for a competitive tournament that delivered both strong opponents and valuable development opportunities.
“Our courts always had a crowd in front of them,” said Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez. “We were able to introduce DME to new faces and make an immediate impression.”
DME opened the weekend with a statement win over the top-ranked team in Puerto Rico. Every match went to a tie-breaker set, highlighting the tournament’s overall competitiveness and the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure. DME closed out the weekend by securing first place in the Silver Division.
“We’re still early in our process,” Sanchez said. “There’s a lot of work to do from a development standpoint, but this weekend accelerated that work. We got better.”
The trip was also an opportunity to strengthen our presence in a new region. The team faced off against top-level talent and competed with discipline and purpose. From warmups to walk-throughs, DME’s identity as a development-first program was on display.
“Every match was a battle,” Sanchez said. “But even more important was the way we carried ourselves throughout the weekend, on the court, in the gym, and around the community.”
The group found the right balance between competition and team time, with opportunities to enjoy local food, explore Old San Juan, and stay on track academically through structured study hall sessions. The trip reinforced DME’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and growth in every area.
Juanita stood out for her leadership and consistency, setting the tone for how the group trained, studied, and stayed locked in throughout the weekend.
Despite facing adversity, the group stayed composed. They adjusted in real time, supported one another, and showed signs of what’s possible when the foundation is built the right way.
“We have a special group,” said Sanchez. “They’re still learning how I want them to play. But they’re bought in — and we’re building something strong.”
DME Academy’s volleyball program is built for serious athletes who want to train at a high level, compete nationally and internationally, and grow on and off the court. With experienced coaches, a proven development model, and access to elite facilities, this is where potential turns into performance.
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DME Academy Volleyball is ready for a season filled with high expectations. The program continues to grow in strength and visibility. This year’s team has three clear goals: improve skills, prepare athletes for college, and raise the DME Volleyball brand on a bigger stage.
Games To Watch
Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez has built a schedule that will test the team from the start. “We don’t play any easy matches,” Sanchez said. “Every match will be a challenge.”
Even so, fans can expect especially competitive battles against New Smyrna Beach, The Rock School, and the Academy of Central Florida.
Players To Watch
This year’s roster combines experienced leaders with new impact players. Seniors Juanita Hernandez and Marianna Castaño return as anchors of the squad, bringing steady play and strong leadership. As a result, they will be vital in guiding the group through tough stretches of the season.
In addition, Giovanna Menegazzo adds speed and power with her aggressive style of play. Meanwhile, Aniya Legget, now part of the 10-Foot Club, will impress with her vertical leap and attacking skills.
Co-founder Dan Panaggio sees big things ahead. “We have a core of returning players who know how to compete at a high level,” Panaggio said. “With this talent and Coach Alvaro’s leadership, we believe this team can do something special.”
With veteran leadership, exciting new talent, and a challenging schedule, DME Academy Volleyball looks ready to deliver a standout 2025–26 season.
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.