Tabitha Betson, a former DME Academy standout, has officially kicked off her collegiate basketball career with the Colorado Buffaloes. Already making an impact, she was named Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year. This prestigious honor, voted by the conference’s coaches, highlights her potential as she steps onto the next stage.
Standing at 6’2” and hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Betson was one of the most sought-after recruits in her class. With over 30 Division I offers from top programs, she ultimately chose to play for Colorado, where she now plays a crucial role on the team.
During her time at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, Betson’s dedication and leadership helped sharpen her skills for the challenges ahead. As a McDonald’s All-American nominee, she continually pushed herself to improve, preparing for the rigors of collegiate basketball.
In her preseason training with the Buffaloes, Betson has already impressed her coaches and teammates. Her hard work, focus, and determination have set her apart. As a result, she is expected to make significant contributions to the team’s success this season.
As the season approaches, Betson’s presence on the roster signals great things for Colorado. The team looks to compete at the highest level, and Betson is poised to be a key contributor in the Big 12 Conference. Colorado’s season kicks off with an exhibition game on October 27 against Colorado Mines, followed by their opener against Northern Colorado on November 7.
If you’re interested in joining DME Academy’s nationally ranked girls’ basketball program, watch the video below to hear Tabitha Betson share her experience. Discover how our elite coaching can help you reach your full potential.
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At DME Academy, we are proud to be the home of some of the most talented and driven young athletes in the country. Two standouts from the Class of 2026, AJ Williams and Gigi Battle, have already made waves in the world of high school basketball and are on track for incredible futures.
Hailing from Elmwood Park, New Jersey, AJ Williams is a 4-star athlete whose talent has already earned him offers from prestigious programs like Creighton, Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Wake Forest. Despite currently recovering from an injury, AJ’s potential is undeniable.
Matt Panaggio, Director of the Boys Basketball program and National Team Head Coach, couldn’t be more excited to see him back on the court, stating, “AJ is a super smart, skilled, and athletic player. I believe he will be the difference maker for this year’s team.”
AJ’s decision to join DME Academy was driven by his desire to elevate his game in a professional environment. When asked why he chose DME, AJ said, “I wanted to be in a college/pro environment with great minds to learn from, along with the welcoming strong brotherhood from the staff and teammates.” His commitment to growth, even during tough times like his injury, shows his dedication to becoming a top-tier player. As he works his way back to full strength, AJ is sure to continue turning heads and impressing scouts across the country.
Ranked as the #1 player in the state of New Jersey, Gigi Battle is not only a force on the court but also one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. With offers from schools like Auburn, Rutgers, Boston College, Princeton, and Ohio State—to name a few—Gigi’s future is incredibly bright. Coming from Edison, New Jersey, Gigi has been described as “a special talent and one of the more physically gifted kids we’ve ever had. She is highly touted for good reason” by Michael Panaggio, director of the Girls Basketball Program and Head Coach of the Gurls National Team.
Gigi chose DME Academy to better prepare herself for the demands of college basketball, saying, “I wanted to be more prepared for college and development in basketball.” Her focus and determination to push herself in every aspect of the game have already paid off, and the sky’s the limit for this outstanding young athlete. With her incredible work ethic and natural talent, Gigi is set to leave an indelible mark on the basketball world.
Both AJ Williams and Gigi Battle represent the future of basketball, and their time at DME Academy is helping to shape them into the stars they are destined to be. With the guidance of their coaches and the supportive environment at DME, these two athletes are not just preparing for college but for long, successful careers in the sport.
Want to stay updated on AJ and Gigi’s journey? Follow DME Academy for all the latest news, updates, and highlights from our top athletes.
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James Eliuda, a DME Academy graduate and sophomore midfielder at George Mason University, is making a strong impact in his second year at the Division I level. Originally from Juba, South Sudan, Eliuda has started all eight games this season. He is playing a key role in the Patriots’ early success.
The 5’11” midfielder has consistently shown his growth and leadership. From his freshman year to now, his work ethic and game awareness have made him a key contributor. Early in the season, Eliuda delivered the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Bucknell. He followed this with another crucial goal against Navy in Annapolis, scoring in the 52nd minute with a precise shot from just outside the six-yard box.
Eliuda’s contributions go beyond scoring. He has logged over 700 minutes this season, providing both offensive and defensive support. His relentless drive has made him indispensable for the Patriots, currently ranked No. 16 in the nation. George Mason’s only loss so far was a close one to Old Dominion. Eliuda remains a key figure in their campaign.
James Eliuda’s success reflects his hard work and determination. From his days at DME Academy to his achievements at the NCAA level, we are proud of the player and person he’s becoming. We look forward to seeing more from him as George Mason continues to rise.
DME Academy has helped hundreds of aspiring student-athletes reach and compete at the next level, whether in college or professionally. Are you ready to take the next step? Click here to learn more about how DME Academy can help you achieve your goals.
We couldn’t be prouder of our very own Tyana Walker, Class of 2022! The Kansas native has made waves in her first collegiate season, being named First Team All-MEAC and earning the prestigious title of MEAC Rookie of the Year!
Tyana’s journey from DME Academy to this huge milestone has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing incredible challenges, including the loss of her mother, Tyana’s determination and heart have propelled her to success. She stepped up not only as a leader in her family but as a force on the court, proving that hard work and perseverance pay off.
Her mom would be so proud, and we at DME Academy, along with her family, are beaming with pride as well! From the day she joined us, Tyana has been a standout student-athlete, and we always knew she was destined for greatness.
This is just the beginning for Tyana, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Go, Tyana! We’re all cheering you on for another incredible season!Want to learn more about Tyana’s incredible story? Watch her journey and the moments that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today HERE
We are excited to shine a spotlight on Zaniah Zellous, our talented 6’2″ power forward from West Virginia, Class of 2025. Zaniah recently made headlines after an outstanding summer on the UAA live circuit, where she led WV Thunder to victory in the 17U National Championship.
Her dominance on the court and ability to perform under pressure have made her one of the most sought-after players in the country.
Zaniah’s recruiting résumé is impressive, boasting over 30 offers from some of the top college programs. Schools like Penn State, Michigan, Georgetown, Kentucky, and many others have recognized her potential, versatility, and leadership. As she continues to develop her game, Zaniah’s future in college basketball looks incredibly promising, and we are eager to see where her journey will take her next.
With her work ethic and talent, Zaniah Zellous is a name to watch in the DME Academy Class of 2025. As Zaniah prepares to take the next step at ECU, we are excited to watch her continued growth and success at the collegiate level.
Congratulations, Zania!
Stay tuned as Zaniah continues to Ignite the Dream and make waves on and off the court!
Learn more about becoming a Student-Athlete at DME Academy!
Adrian Biaggi, a proud DME Academy soccer alum, has been making significant strides on the field since his time with us. After showcasing his incredible talent and work ethic at DME, Adrian’s journey has led him to play collegiate soccer at the highest level, and he’s now making a name for himself on a national stage.
Currently, Adrian plays for the University of Dayton, a strong NCAA Division I soccer program. The Flyers, known for their competitive spirit and excellence on the field, are currently ranked #25 in the country. This ranking reflects both the team’s hard work and Adrian’s commitment to excellence. Even more exciting, Adrian has earned a starting position in the last two games, solidifying his role as a key contributor to the team’s success. His journey from DME Academy to Dayton’s Division I program is a testament to his resilience, passion, and dedication to the sport.
Earlier this year, we shared Adrian’s inspiring story of growth and perseverance, from his beginnings in Puerto Rico to being recruited by the International Development Academy (IDA) and making his way to DME Academy. If you haven’t had the chance, you can revisit his backstory here.
We’re beyond proud of all that Adrian has achieved and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Keep making waves, Adrian!
Ready to elevate your game. Speak with one of Student-Advisors today to explore how DME can help you take the next step in your journey! Click here to get started!
We are excited to announce that Trey Simpson, a 6’7″ forward from Evergreen, Alabama, has committed to continue his academic and athletic journey at Murray State University. A member of the Class of 2025, Trey has already shown tremendous potential during his short time at DME Academy, where we are confident he will continue to develop and thrive as an elite player.
This summer, Trey played for Alabama Fusion on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he turned heads with his impressive performances. At the renowned Nike Peach Jam, he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the top forwards in his class. His standout play has earned him well-deserved recognition, leading to his commitment to join the Murray State Racers.
Trey brings not only athleticism and skill but also a hunger to learn and grow. We are thrilled to be part of his journey as he prepares for the next level of competition. His future with the Racers is bright, and we can’t wait to see all he will accomplish at DME Academy and beyond.
Congratulations to Trey on this exciting next chapter! The entire DME family is behind you as you continue to Ignite the Dream.
Ready to elevate your game? DME Academy offers top-tier training and opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically. Speak with an admissions counselor today to explore how you can take the next step in your journey!
Commitment to Student Success
Mike Panaggio, co-owner of DME Academy and respected businessman in Volusia County, is fully invested in shaping the next generation of leaders. His commitment to student success led to the creation of “A Passion for Excellence,” a class that equips young athletes with the values and mindset needed to excel in both sports and life
Unique Learning Opportunities
Drawing from his experience building 15 successful companies, Panaggio teaches that success in business, like in sports, comes from hard work, discipline, and a love for what you do. Through engaging discussions and real-world insights, students gain practical lessons on teamwork, perseverance, and joy in the process.
Panaggio’s Passion for Student Success
Panaggio’s passion for developing young leaders goes beyond athletics, preparing them for the challenges they’ll face in life and their future careers. His dedication is a reminder that being part of a team means striving for something bigger than yourself.
To learn more about our academic programs or to speak to an admissions counselor click the link here to learn more.
DME Academy’s own Mikel Brown Jr. has just climbed from No. 16 to No. 12 in ESPN’s national rankings for the class of 2025. His rise reflects the hard work, dedication, and elite skill set that have made him one of the most exciting prospects in high school basketball history.
With top college programs closely tracking his development, Brown continues to shine during our preseason training setting the stage for an exciting season at DME Academy. His talent, combined with his commitment to excellence, proves that the sky’s the limit for his future.
Follow Mikel’s journey this season and stay updated on all things DME Basketball. To learn more about our Basketball Programs and DME Academy Click here.
Daytona Beach, FL – DME Academy, renowned for its commitment to nurturing top-tier talent across multiple sports, is excited to announce the launch of our new DME Academy Beach Volleyball Team. This initiative aims to set a new standard for athletic excellence and competition in the region.
Our mission at DME is to help student-athletes achieve their personal best, and we are thrilled to be bringing this new program to DME Academy.
Unparalleled Coaching and Experience
Leading our Beach Volleyball program is Head Coach Craig Lenniger, who, alongside his team of world-class coaches, brings over 30 years of experience to the table. Our coaches are not just mentors; they are seasoned professionals dedicated to developing each player’s potential and fostering a strong team spirit.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our facilities meet FIVB international standards, providing an elite training environment for our athletes. With year-round training and competition schedules, our program ensures that players are always at their best. Our elite facilities provide the perfect setting for our athletes to excel.
Elite Methodology and National Schedule
DME Academy’s holistic approach to athlete development combines rigorous training, strategic competition schedules, and a focus on both physical and mental conditioning. Competing nationally, our athletes will gain invaluable experience against top-tier talent. The national schedule ensures our players face the best competition, helping them develop their skills and compete at the highest levels.
Join Us
We are excited to offer this program and look forward to developing a top-tier Beach Volleyball team that competes at the highest levels. For more information about our Beach Volleyball program and to register, please visit our website or contact our admissions team.