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.
They say hard work pays off, but for some, those dreams are never actualized. For Dominika Paurová of Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, all her hard work has paid off and continues to do so. Her legendary early mornings and late nights in the gym have taken her from Daytona, Florida, where she was known as a gym rat at DME Academy, all the way to Oregon State, and now, The University of Kentucky.
For most serious high school basketball players, it is a dream to play at the D1 college level, but it is almost impossible to take those dreams and make it to the Elite Eight. Dominika was able to achieve both with the help of her coaches and training at DME Academy. From the start, Coach Michael Panaggio knew something was special about her. Being on one of the best DME National Girls teams, Dom stood out as a relentless worker who focused not only on her strengths, but also on improving her weaknesses.
During her time at DME Academy, her legend was just getting started. As she lead the National Girls team to a state championship, averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. Her impressive performances over her senior year caught the attention of many recruiters, and she ultimately chose to take her talents to the Pacific Northwest to play for the Oregon State Beavers.
In the 2023-24 season, as a true freshman, Dominika made an immediate impact. Playing in all 35 games, she was a key player in the team’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight run, averaging 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Her late-game heroics and clutch playmaking down the stretch throughout the postseason truly prove that hard work pays off and dreams do come true!
Now, as she transitions to the University of Kentucky for the 2024-25 season, Dominika’s journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes. To learn more about her path from DME Academy to collegiate success and beyond, watch her exclusive interview below.
Dominika Paurová’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and the right support. At DME Academy, we are committed to helping student-athletes reach their full potential, both academically and athletically. If you’re aspiring to elevate your game, DME Academy is the place to start. Click here to learn more about our programs.
DME Academy recently wrapped up its Summer Prep Camp for 2024, marking another successful season of training, development, and camaraderie. This year, we welcomed 122 campers who pushed themselves to the limits. Guided by our best coaches, they developed their game and competed with some of the best athletes along with forging lasting friendships.
Our Summer Prep Camps were designed to cater to serious athletes seeking to elevate their game. Campers participated in daily on-court practices, complemented by strength and conditioning workouts. Soccer players engaged in outdoor, indoor, and beach training sessions. Basketball players focused on shooting, dribbling, and footwork drills. Volleyball players participated in sessions aimed at improving their serving, setting, and spiking techniques.
Each sport took advantage of our elite facilities throughout our state-of-the-art campus utilizing our advanced training equipment, and professional-grade courts and fields. Under the guidance of our expert coaches, who bring years of college and professional experience, campers received valuable feedback and personalized training to enhance their skills and performance. These activities ensured a balanced approach to skill development and physical fitness across all sports.
To give campers real-game experience, we organized scrimmages and competitive matches. Basketball players participated in individual development, and three AAU tournaments, while soccer players honed their skills on the pitch as well as indoor futsal sessions.
Education is a key component of our camp. Our Coaches ran multiple workshops that provided insights into the path for international student athletes to compete in the NCAA, inspiring many of our campers.Visits to colleges like Stetson University offered valuable exposure to the academic and athletic opportunities available to them.
Balancing training with relaxation, our campers enjoyed a variety of social activities. Movie outings, arcade games, and a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando provided much-needed downtime. Celebrations, including birthdays and gatherings at one of the co-founders Mike Panaggio’s house, added to the sense of community and fun.
We kept families connected and informed through live-streamed games and regular updates. NFHS Networks allowed parents to review their children’s performances, while a dedicated WhatsApp group provided daily updates, photos, and videos. This approach ensured that families were part of their athletes’ journey, fostering a strong sense of support and involvement.
Our camp’s reputation attracted participants from around the world, highlighting its international appeal. We hosted campers from around the world as 26 different countries were represented at our Summer Prep Camps demonstrating the global recognition of DME Academy’s training programs.
The DME Academy Summer Prep Camp 2024 has been an incredible journey for all involved. Campers have advanced their athletic skills, built lasting friendships, and created unforgettable memories. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the DME family!
Rising Star in High School Basketball
Mikel Brown is no ordinary recruit. Ranked #16 in ESPN’s Top 100 for the 2025 class and the #3 point guard in the country, Mikel’s arrival at DME Academy is a game-changer. His exceptional performance on the court has caught the attention of many, but it is his leadership and work ethic that truly set him apart.
International Acclaim with Team USA
Mikel’s journey to DME Academy includes impressive international experience. As the starting point guard for the U18 National Team, he played a pivotal role in Team USA’s success at this year’s FIBA Americup in Argentina. Averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game, Mikel not only showcased his scoring ability but also his playmaking skills, earning the distinction of being the second-highest assister in the tournament.
Before joining DME Academy, Mikel spent a year with the prestigious Overtime Elite program in Atlanta, Georgia. Playing for the Cold Hearts, he averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. His time at Overtime Elite honed his skills against top-tier competition, preparing him for the next chapter in his basketball career.
Dominating the Adidas 3SSB Circuit
This summer, Mikel led Team Loaded NC on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, guiding them to a 15-5 overall record and a 5th place finish in 3ssb finals. His stellar performances, averaging 21.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, earned him a 1st team spot on the Adidas Circuit. Mikel’s ability to take charge in critical moments and deliver consistently has made him a standout player on every team he has been a part of.
His future in college basketball looks incredibly promising, with many top programs vying for his commitment. He has received several offers from top-tier programs, including Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Texas A&M, Seton Hall, Indiana, Maryland, Texas, Kansas, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Kansas State, Michigan, Florida State, LSU, South Carolina, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, Pitt, and Illinois.
“Mikel Brown’s commitment to DME Academy marks a significant milestone for our basketball program. His arrival brings excitement and anticipation as we look forward to seeing him lead our team to new heights” said DME Academy’s Director of the Men’s Basketball Program, Matt Panaggio.
Mikel Brown is now the 2nd ESPN top 100 ranked player to commit to DME Academy for the upcoming season. Earlier this month DME received a commitment from another highly rated player in Jermal Jones who is currently ranked as the 50th best player in the country by ESPN.
Join us in welcoming Mikel to the DME Academy family and stay tuned for updates and game highlights as Mikel Brown begins this exciting new chapter at DME Academy.
DAYTONA, FL. – On Friday (June 28), it was announced that Keegan Murray, former DME Academy standout, was named to the 2024 USA Men’s Select Basketball Team. The USA Men’s Select Basketball Team will help the Men’s National Team prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris, France.
Keegan Murray, a 2020 graduate from DME, took a huge leap in his sophomore year with the Sacramento Kings. Murray helped guide the Kings to the postseason, where they fell to the Pelicans in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The second-year player was also honored by the NBA as a Rising Star as part of this year’s All-Star Weekend.
As members of the USA Select Team, Murray will train with the USA Men’s National Basketball Team during their training camp in Las Vegas from July 6-8. The training camp is the first step for Team USA to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games, which will take place in France from July 26-August 11.
“As a former member of the USA Select Team, I know how important and fun this opportunity is for each of these players,” said Grant Hill, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director. “There is a tremendous amount of talent on this Select squad with the significant job of helping the 2024 USA Men’s National Team as they begin their journey to the Olympics. Each of these athletes will play a role in our preparation as we also develop the national team pipeline for the future.”
View the full team and learn more about the important role the Select Team plays and the vital experience these players will gain by Clicking Here:
To start your journey with DME Academy Basketball program and create your own legacy, visit: https://dmeacademy.com/athletics/boys-basketball/