DME Academy is thrilled to announce its action-packed Fall Beach Volleyball events taking place at its state-of-the-art facilities in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida. Led by the passionate and experienced Director of DME Beach Volleyball, Craig Lenniger, these events promise a thrilling blend of skill development, friendly competition, and pure fun in the sand.
Fall Beach Volleyball Club Program
This comprehensive program, running from September 6 to November 19, caters to athletes aspiring to play Beach Volleyball at the high school or college level. Held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8 PM, and Sundays from 1-3 PM, this program offers intensive training sessions designed to enhance the skills of players. Athletes with a solid volleyball foundation will have the opportunity to participate in regional tournaments and attend college beach showcases, boosting their chances of catching the eye of college coaches.
Friday Night Lights
For the 12-16 year old enthusiasts, the Friday Night Lights program offers an opportunity to keep their skills sharp while having a blast. Taking place every Friday evening from 6-7:30 PM from September 8 to October 27, this program combines quick beach volleyball development with plenty of gameplay. It’s the ideal choice for those not yet ready for the Club Program but still eager to hone their skills and enjoy some competitive action.
Friday Night Open Play
DME Academy invites everyone to join the Friday Night Open Play sessions from September 8 to November 17, every Friday night from 7:30-9 PM. This free-play event allows enthusiasts of all skill levels to have a great time on the pristine sand courts. With the guidance of Coach Craig and other experienced beach coaches, participants can work on their skills or simply enjoy some friendly matches with friends and fellow beach volleyball enthusiasts.
High School Doubles League
Sundays just got even more exciting with the High School Doubles League, running from September 10 to November 19. Athletes are encouraged to sign up as a team, with whom they will compete in two matches each week. The last two weeks are dedicated to thrilling playoffs, where every team gets a chance to showcase their skills in a relaxed, coaching-free environment. It’s the perfect way to keep the sand between your toes during the traditional indoor high school season.
Adult Co-Ed Doubles League
Adults aren’t left out either! The Adult Co-Ed Doubles League, taking place on Sundays at 4 PM from September 10 to November 19, offers a fantastic opportunity for friends and couples to team up and compete. Teams will participate in two matches each week, with playoffs set for the final two weeks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, this league promises camaraderie and competitive fun.
“At DME Academy, we’re excited to continue to grow beach volleyball in Daytona Beach this fall. The sand courts at DME are waiting for you, so come join us for a season filled with skill development, teamwork, and a lot of fun playing beach volleyball,” said Lenniger. Whether you’re a rising star or a recreational player, DME Academy’s Fall Beach Volleyball events have something for everyone.
To learn more or register, click here.
The halls of DME Academy reverberated with the sounds of dribbling basketballs and the echoes of enthusiastic cheers as the renowned institution recently concluded another highly successful Summer Prep camp season. With a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to nurturing aspiring athletes, DME Academy once again demonstrated its prowess in providing top-tier training and development opportunities for young athletes.
The Basketball Summer Prep camp, which took place from July 7 to 31, drew significant attention and anticipation as it quickly sold out, underscoring the eagerness of young basketball enthusiasts to elevate their game. Boys and girls aged 14 to 19 converged at DME Academy to participate in the intensive 25-day program. Designed to cater to serious basketball athletes seeking to advance to the next level, the camp provided a comprehensive platform for skill enhancement and game readiness.
Guided by DME’s seasoned coaches, each possessing a wealth of college and/or professional experience, the athletes were fully engaged in an immersive and transformational training program. DME Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies complemented the training sessions, providing a dynamic environment for growth and improvement.
The basketball camp’s itinerary was meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive experience. The athletes engaged in two on-court practices per day, accompanied by four strength and conditioning workouts per week to optimize their physical capabilities. Beach workouts added an extra layer of intensity to the program, enhancing endurance and strength. The inclusion of three Florida AAU events and approximately 15 games ensured that the athletes received exposure to high levels of competition. When they weren’t training, the DME campers enjoyed their down time visiting college campuses, taking group trips to the movies and mall, and catching a Daytona Tortugas baseball game.
Recognizing the importance of keeping families engaged in their athletes’ journey, DME Academy employed an array of tools to ensure parents remained well-informed and connected. Live-streamed home games brought the thrill of competition to parents’ screens, regardless of their geographical location, allowing them to witness the progress and dedication of their young athletes. Professionally recorded games, conveniently accessible through platforms like Hudl and Youtube, not only provided a chance for parents to review their children’s performances but also reinforced DME Academy’s commitment to transparency and quality. Furthermore, a dedicated WhatsApp group was established, facilitating the seamless sharing of daily updates, photos, and videos, enabling parents to experience the daily activities and progress of their athletes firsthand. This holistic approach to communication solidified the sense of community and collaboration between DME Academy, athletes, and their families, fostering an environment of trust and shared achievement.
The appeal of DME Academy’s Summer Prep camp transcended geographical boundaries. Campers flocked to the academy from near and far, underscoring the program’s reputation internationally. DME Academy proudly hosted groups from across the world, including Qatar and Switzerland.
Derrick Lang, the executive director of DLANG Training, brought over 35 players from Switzerland. Lang’s involvement highlighted the global recognition of DME Academy’s training expertise. Additionally, BE Basketball, a premier basketball program in Qatar and a valued partner of DME Academy, sent two athletes from Doha, Qatar, to benefit from the comprehensive training at the camp.
Reflecting on the remarkable success of the Summer Prep camp season, Matt Panaggio, Director of Basketball at DME Academy, shared, “Our goal is to create an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the court. The Summer Prep camps embody our commitment to fostering growth, and it’s truly inspiring to witness the transformation of these young athletes over the course of the program.”
Beyond the basketball court, DME Academy’s dedication to comprehensive athlete development extended across sports. Baseball, Soccer, and Volleyball also stepped into the spotlight, hosting Summer Prep camps in July. The four camps welcomed over 150 athletes to DME’s campus, creating a melting pot of athletic talent and camaraderie.
The Summer Prep camps, while rooted in the pursuit of athletic excellence, evolved into much more than mere training sessions. They transformed into vibrant celebrations of sport, dedication, and the power of teamwork. As the athletes bid adieu to their summer training grounds, they carried with them not only enhanced skills but also a profound sense of belonging to a community united by their love for the game and their determination to be the best versions of themselves.
To be the first to know about DME’s Summer Prep camps in 2024, fill out the camp form here!
The AS Frenzi soccer team, a dominant force in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), claimed victory in the 2023 UPSL Title through an exhilarating demonstration of skill and teamwork, all made possible by the extraordinary efforts of six standout players from DME Academy. This triumph not only secured the championship for AS Frenzi but also showcased the extraordinary talent that DME Academy continues to nurture within its ranks.
AS Frenzi, a semi-professional boys soccer team hailing from Lake Mary, Florida, has carved its name as a formidable force in the competitive arena of the UPSL. The team’s dedication, training, and unwavering passion for the sport have been evident in every match they’ve played, leading up to their remarkable victory. Competing against the odds and leaving no room for doubt, AS Frenzi secured a spot in next year’s tournament by clinching the UPSL Title.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is the invaluable contribution of six rising stars from DME Academy – Yan Diomande, Ethan Rosenblum, Adrian Biaggi, Charles Christian, Abraham Oshodi, and James Isaac. These young athletes have been honing their skills and pushing their limits at DME Academy, a testament to the academy’s commitment to nurturing the future stars of soccer.
The final showdown took place at the illustrious Segra Field in Loudoun, Virginia, the home ground of the USL Championship team, Loudoun United FC. Facing off against Sporting Wichita, AS Frenzi emerged triumphant with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The game was a thrilling roller coaster of emotions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
A standout performance came from Yan Diomande, the 16-year-old striker from DME Academy, who showcased his prowess by scoring both crucial goals for AS Frenzi. Diomande’s first goal in the 8th minute demonstrated his finesse and precision as he expertly maneuvered past his assigned defender, slotting the ball confidently into the net. This early lead set the tone for the intense battle that followed.
The game, however, took an unexpected twist as Sporting Wichita managed to level the score, resulting in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation time. This turn of events only intensified the drama, making it clear that the teams were willing to leave everything on the pitch for the championship.
In the 115th minute, when the stakes were at their highest, Yan Diomande once again seized the moment. In the closing moments of the match, Diomande exhibited remarkable precision and composure, elegantly curling the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. This pivotal goal not only propelled him to the summit of the Golden Boot race but also held greater significance by securing AS Frenzi’s historic first UPSL national championship.
The victory not only reflects the dedication of AS Frenzi and its players but also highlights the effectiveness of DME Academy’s training and development programs. The academy’s commitment to fostering talent and instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and excellence has once again borne fruit, creating a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of soccer enthusiasts.
As the celebrations continue, DME Academy takes immense pride in the achievements of its players and the pivotal role they played in AS Frenzi’s momentous victory. With this triumph, both AS Frenzi and DME Academy have set a high bar for themselves, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the world of soccer.
To learn more about becoming a part of DME’s elite soccer program, click here.
AS Frenzi, the semi-professional soccer team out of Lake Mary, Florida, is making history as the first-ever Florida team to punch their ticket to the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) National Finals.
Six DME Academy boys soccer players are members of the elite squad, and have been leading their team to victory all season. Ethan Rosenblum, Adrian Biaggi, Charles Christian, Yan Diomande, James Isaac, and Abraham Oshodi are key contributors to the team’s success, with four of the six athletes starting for AS Frenzi. They are heading into the semi-finals with a 9-1-1 record, and Christian and Oshodi leading the charge as the team’s top scorers with 10 goals a piece.
AS Frenzi officially punched their ticket to the finals weekend with their 7-1 quarter-finals win over Tennessee Tempo on July 22. Diomande led the squad with 2 goals, while Isaac netted another. Diomonde’s goal to put his team up 4-0, his ninth of the season, was nothing short of entertaining.
The UPSL National Finals are set to take place from August 4-6 at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, home to Loudoun United FC. AS Frenzi will take on Chicago Nation FC in Friday’s semi-finals, while Sporting Wichita SC will match up against CD Delfines De Abasolo shortly after. The winners of each match will then battle it out on that Sunday, where one team will be crowned the 2023 UPSL Champions.
Fans can tune in to AS Frenzi’s semi-finals match-up on Friday, August 4 at 5:30 pm EST by watching the livestream here.
To learn more about DME Academy’s elite boys soccer program, click here.
Kris and Keegan Murray were at it again. The twin brothers, who made a name for themselves at DME Academy, put on a show during this year’s NBA Summer League.
Keegan Murray was the talk of the California Classic held at the Golden 1 Center, where he finished as the top scorer of the event on his home court. In the Sacramento Kings’ first game of the event, Murray helped his team to a 100-94 win over the Golden State Warriors, leading all scorers with 29 points. Two days later in a match up against the Miami Heat, Murray topped his already-stellar performance by racking up 41 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and a block. Murray closed out the event in front of a jaw-dropped home crowd as the California Classic’s top scorer, with 70 points in 62 minutes of play and an undefeated 2-0 record for the Kings.
In his brother’s NBA debut, Kris Murray proved why he was a 2023 first-round draft pick. In the Trailblazers third game of the NBA Summer League, Murray led his team to a 97-93 win over Charlotte at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Blazers forward contributed 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting and 7 rebounds in his 32 minutes on the court. His scoring efficiency is something that Portland is sure to be excited about for the upcoming NBA season.
Kris and Keegan Murray both attended DME Academy as post-graduate basketball players, where their recruiting stock took a turn for the better. They went on to continue their careers in the Big Ten, donning the black and gold for the University of Iowa. In 2022, Keegan Murray was drafted as the fourth overall pick to the Sacramento Kings. The 6’8” small forward had a notable rookie year, averaging 12.2 points and shooting 41% from the 3-point range, helping the Kings make the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and earning himself a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team. A year after Keegan was drafted, his brother Kris was picked up by the Portland Trailblazers in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. The Murray brothers’ careers have been nothing short of impressive, and we can only expect continued success at the professional level from here.
DME Academy’s basketball program develops student-athletes to compete at the highest level. To find out more, click here.
On June 19-23, DME Academy hosted its first-ever lacrosse camp at their campus in Daytona Beach in partnership with The Defensive Academy.
Kyle Hartzell, Redwoods Lacrosse Club Long Stick Middie, and his crew of stud professional players, directed a four-day boys lacrosse camp that Floridians, especially, were in need of in their area. Hartzell said, “We moved our overnight camp out here to DME Academy because we had such a big ask to get out here to Florida.”
The camp focused on all parts of the defensive position, from close-defense fundamentals to transitioning the ball up the field and being a scoring threat. Aside from the on-field instruction, campers took part in ‘chalk talk’, film sessions, speed and agility training, and fun competitions against the pro players.
The Defensive Academy Lacrosse camp gave athletes a taste of what playing lacrosse at the college and professional levels looks like, and DME Academy proved to be the perfect setting for that. With everything that a college campus would have, including dorms, cafeteria, top-of-the-line athletic fields, indoor performance center, training rooms, and classrooms, the campers were able to get the full, elite experience.
After such a successful week of lacrosse and sun in Daytona, there’s no doubt that DME Academy will look to host more lacrosse camps and events in the near future. To stay in the loop, sign up for our newsletter here.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The DME Academy at St. John’s Northwestern Academies partnership took center stage at the 2023 NBA Draft as two former standout products of each academy were selected in the first round of the draft.
On Thursday, June 22, 2023, Brandin Podziemski, a 2021 graduate of SJNA, was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 19th pick. Soon after, the Portland Trail Blazers utilized the 23rd pick to add DME Academy post-graduate basketball alumnus, Kris Murray, to their roster.
Launched less than a month prior to the draft, the 2023 NBA Draft was a banner night for the DME at SJNA program. With two draft picks in quick succession, the partnership announced itself under the bright lights of the Barclays Center as a hub for top talent, and laid a clear pathway to the highest levels of the game for the next generation of DME at SJNA student-athletes.
With 11-year NBA veteran Wesley Persons set to coach the newly established DME at SJNA teams in the upcoming season, and DME co-founder Dan Panaggio’s wealth of NBA coaching experience, the new partnership is set to take flight and offer its students next level experience and guidance that is solely found through the DME at SJNA program.
Before they heard NBA commissioner Adam Silver call their names out on Thursday (June 22) night, both Brandin and Kris put in the work and shined on their respective campuses.
At St. John’s Northwestern, Podziemski accumulated more than 2,000 career points, was recognized as a three-time All-State honoree, and in 2021, he was awarded the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball and the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year. After graduating from SJNA, he continued his basketball career at Santa Clara University.
Murray, too, was very successful at the academy level. At DME, he averaged 17.1 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, and shot 48 percent from the field. Wesam Al-Sous, former DME Academy head basketball coach, said, “Kris was our glue guy. He was the guy that could do it all.” Murray went on to have a stellar career at the University of Iowa, where both his twin brother and father also played basketball.
Catch Brandin and Kris getting geared up for the NBA season next week (July 3-6) at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a strong preseason, DME at SJNA fans can expect to see more of their favorite stars on the NBA stage come October and the start of the 2023-24 season.
The partnership between DME and SJNA aims to continue to produce elite student-athletes, like Brandin Podziemski and Kris Murray. To learn more or apply to be a part of the DME at SJNA partnership in Delafield, Wisconsin click here: DME at SJNA
To follow along with Kris Murray’s journey from DME Academy to the big leagues, click here.
About DME Academy
DME Academy is a premier sports and education facility located in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Academy provides a range of sports programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels, as well as top-notch educational opportunities. DME Sports Academy’s mission is to empower young athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field. To learn more, visit www.dmeacademy.com.
About St. John’s Northwestern Academies
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.
Kris Murray, DME Academy Post-Graduate Basketball alumnus (2019-2020), was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 22. Portland selected the 6’8” forward with the 23rd pick in the first round.
The Blazers’ selection made Murray the second first-round pick in DME Academy history, following his brother Keegan who was drafted in 2022 as the fourth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings.
Murray’s draft achievement comes as a result of an impressive basketball career built on hard work, drive, and always staying humble. Since his post-graduate year at DME, which put him on the map as a top forward in the nation, Murray has gained the respect of his teammates and coaches as someone you always wanted on the court and as a part of your team. Dan Panaggio, DME Academy founder, said, “Kris Murray had a huge impact on DME Academy. He personified all the best qualities we look for in our student-athletes. He was intelligent, hard-working, unselfish, and humble. His teammates not only respected him but loved him. He is a product of the best in parenting. His family is the perfect model for the American Student-athlete, and Kris is the perfect role model.”
Murray is coming off an impressive career at the University of Iowa, having scored over 20 points 17 times, double figures 43 times, and seven career double-doubles. After his junior season, he received third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named a semifinalist for both the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Player of the Year trophy.
Murray joins the Blazers who are coming off a 33-49 overall record, and 13th place in the NBA Western Conference. He’s expected to make an immediate impact for Portland as an NBA-ready combo forward.
To follow along with Murray’s journey to the big leagues, click here.
Have dreams to one day #BallLikeMurray? Click here to learn more about our elite basketball program.
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.
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!
