In the world of soccer, talent knows no boundaries, and it often takes exceptional players to rise above the rest. This year, we are proud to announce that Yan Diomande, a prominent winger on DME Academy’s boys high school soccer team, has been named the STARI Player of the Year. This recognition comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed Diomande’s remarkable journey through the beautiful game.
STARI, an international soccer network that dedicates itself to showcasing the talents of players worldwide, identifies and honors players who exhibit extraordinary skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Yan Diomande’s rise to prominence within this network speaks volumes about his exceptional abilities on the field.
Diomande’s soccer journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Whether donning the jersey for DME Academy or leading AS Frenzi, he has consistently stood out as a standout player. Last year, he spearheaded DME Academy to an undefeated season, leaving opponents in awe of his dazzling footwork and scoring prowess. Diomande continued to shine in the summer months, where he played a pivotal role in AS Frenzi’s historic journey to their first-ever UPSL Championship Title. His performance on the pitch was nothing short of sensational, with crucial goals that propelled his team to victory. It is not just his skills, but his leadership and determination that make him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.
Thales Peterson, Director of Soccer at DME Academy, had glowing praise for the young star. “Dio’s journey at DME Academy has been nothing short of exceptional. His dedication to improving his game day in and day out is truly inspiring. He is not just a gifted athlete but also a team player who understands the importance of collaboration and unity on and off the field. We are incredibly proud of his achievements, and we believe this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career.”
This accolade recognizes not only Diomande’s individual brilliance but also the dedication and hard work of the entire DME Academy coaching staff, who have played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent. It is a testament to the academy’s commitment to producing world-class soccer players and their unwavering belief in the potential of their athletes.
As Diomande continues to shine on the soccer field and make a name for himself on the global stage, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players everywhere. His journey reminds us that with determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence, anyone can rise to the top of the game.
Diomande’s recognition as the STARI Player of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects his exceptional talent, dedication, and outstanding achievements. DME Academy congratulates him and looks forward to witnessing his continued success on and off the field.
Click here to learn about DME’s undefeated boys high school soccer program.
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.
The DME Academy 12U baseball team was on tour last weekend. The Florida baseball team packed their bags and headed up to Cooperstown Dreams Park for the annual baseball tournament. Known as “America’s Baseball Summer Camp”, this tournament honors traditional values of faith, and baseball and hosts teams from all over the country.
Since the tournament’s origin, 25 years ago, Cooperstown Dreams Park has become a place for families to vacation while playing real, competitive baseball. The tournament also hosts a home run derby for young athletes.
DME Academy’s 12U baseball team was one of the fortunate teams to be invited to the tournament and played 6 games. They ended the tournament with a winning record of four wins and two losses.
During the first game on Saturday, DME Academy put up seven runs in the fourth inning and five home runs, which helped the team to victory over the Oregon Park Rangers. The final score was 16-4 in favor of DME Academy.
Sunday, DME Academy was up against the Denver Royals Baseball Club. DME put up seven runs in the third inning. Zach Killian, who is also on DME Academy’s Middle school team, proved to be a big bat for DME, sending a ball over the fence for a home run in the first inning. Overall, DME had 8 home runs on the day and won 17-8.
DME Academy baseball claimed a 13-9 victory in the second game of Sunday against Bucs Baseball Club. Both offenses were strong at the plate as DME Academy National 12U collected 15 hits and Bucs Baseball Club recorded 11 in the high-scoring affair. DME scored three home runs on the day to secure the win.
DME snatched the lead late in the game in a victory over Willoughby Wildcats Reynolds 12U on Monday to round out their win streak. The game was tied at four with DME Academy National 12U batting in the top of the fifth when Sebastian V homered on a 3-1 count, scoring two runs. DME launched five home runs on the day. The home run tally with Zach in the fourth, Sebastian in the fifth, Liam in the sixth and Justin pulling double duty in both the first and the fifth innings. The final score of the game was 9-4 in favor of DME.
The remainder of the tournament did not yield any more wins for DME, as they fell to the Texas Mizuno Autry 15-3 and also succumbed to the Next Level Prospects in a hard-fought loss 24-20. Overall, the tournament was a success and DME Academy’s baseball team had a ton of fun and learned a lot about the tradition of baseball at Cooperstown Dreams Park.
Interested in our DME’s growing baseball academy? Check it out here!
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!
With more than 200 fans & supporters in attendance, the match between DME Academy and the Next Generation 04/05 team from Sarasota, FL was a huge success. This exhibition was of course about soccer but more importantly, it was an opportunity to build culture and showcase the vision for the partnership between DME Academy in Daytona and DME Academy in Sarasota. With Carousel’s Icery on hand, games for the kids, candy stations, apparel for purchase, and all proceeds going to fund the Sarasota club’s tournament participation, it was a great experience for everyone in attendance.
The match itself featured some hard-nosed play and boasted some incredible soccer by both teams. The DME Academy boys found the back of the net with some dynamic play and cool finishing. Next Generation soccer fought hard but in the end, we ended up winning with a score of 6-0.
“We were happy to take the bus down here and scrimmage Sarasota. That team is strong & they played well. There are some really good players here already and we’re going to keep building the DME Soccer program across this state. Thank you for the hospitality to JT, Jared, and the rest of the Sarasota team that organized the event. We’ll definitely be back down or have the boys up to our field to play soon.” says, Todd Eason, Director of Soccer at DME Academy.
This game is much more about opportunities and pathways than it is about the scoreline. Some of the Sarasota boys are already guests playing with the National team here at DME. The goal of this event was set up to unite the two clubs and show everyone the vision and possible pathways for committed and skilled soccer players in all of Southern-Central Florida.
The DME Academy boys’ U19 soccer team has clinched the prestigious Easter International Cup in Kissimmee, Florida. The competition was held from April 5th to April 8th, 2023, and featured over 200 top youth soccer teams from across the country and 25 international teams. DME put on a remarkable performance throughout the tournament, showcasing their talent and skill on the pitch. The team, led by experienced soccer coach Todd Eason, emerged victorious in the final match against Florida Rush, winning 6-1.
“As our season starts winding down, participating in this tournament showed just how talented our boys are. This group continues to impress me with their passion for competition and overall durability,” said Todd Eason, Director of Soccer at DME Academy. “Five games in four days under the Florida heat, against prominent clubs is not easy. So, I can’t say enough about this group. They have exceeded my expectations and it’s been a great honor to work with these high-level players.”
DME Academy has quickly made a name for itself as a leading soccer program in Florida, attracting some of the most promising young players from across the country and overseas. The academy is known for its commitment to developing well-rounded soccer players who excel on the pitch and prioritize academic excellence and character development. The Easter International Cup win is a testament to DME’s dedication to cultivating talented soccer players who can perform at the highest level while upholding core values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The victory at the Easter International Cup is a significant achievement for DME Academy’s budding soccer program, providing a major boost to the players’ confidence and motivation. The win also serves as a testament to the coaching staff’s hard work and dedication to developing young soccer players. The Easter International Cup victory is a major milestone for the DME Academy, cementing its status as one of the top youth soccer programs in the country.
Want to learn more about our elite soccer program?
The DME boy’s soccer team last weekend traveled to Montverde, Florida for two matches. They took on Vaughan Azzurri, from Canada, Friday night; the following day, they took on Montverde’s SIMA Gold team.
The games were held at the Montverde Academy soccer fields for the SIMA Friendlies showcase, where a large crowd had gathered to watch the high level of soccer that was about to be showcased throughout the weekend.
Friday night’s game, DME Academy struck first, with a goal from Charles Christian, the team’s newest addition, who comes all the way from Ghana. DME Academy struck again with a late goal from Pootanet Petchtae to finalize their win of 2-0. Kol Bennet was stone-cold in the net and secured another shutout on the season.
Saturday’s showdown against Montverde’s SIMA Gold team was a hard-fought battle, with each team netting goals. In proving his value to the DME team, it was Christian that put one in the back of the net for the DME boys, securing the tie for the team.
DME Academy, comprised of a group of determined, dedicated, and diverse players, faced off against the nationally ranked team in this highly-anticipated match. Despite being heavily outmatched on paper, DME refused to back down and put up a fierce fight against the highly favored Montverde. When the last whistle blew, DME managed to hold their ground against the top team in the country, fighting to the end for the tie. In DME’s augural season, they surprised spectators and teams alike. But not themselves or their coaches.
“This weekend the boys faced many challenges and rose to the occasion during both games.” States Kioki Hutchings, Assistant Director of Soccer at DME. “They are a special group to be working with and I believe they have put DME soccer on the map after both of these battles.”
After the game, Todd Eason, Director of Soccer, and Kioki Hutchings were crowded by college scouts and coaches from Wake Forest, Notre Dame, the University of Maryland, the University of Portland, the University of South Florida, Boston College, and the University of Central, Florida, all inquiring about the star-studded DME roster.
DME Soccer continues to make a name for itself on the field, wherever they travel to. To learn more about the young program, check it out here!
The All-Area Volleyball team has been released for local high school players and we are proud to announce that 12 DME Academy athletes have been named to the list. We are happy to celebrate these accomplished athletes.
Out of these 12 accomplished athletes, there are also 3 individuals who have also made 1st team which automatically enters them into the drawing for player of the year, which will be decided this coming May. Taylor Timko, Sydney Moses, and Alyssa Kornegay have proven to be the best out of the best. Alyssa Kornegay has also earned the title of 6A Player of the Year.
These twelve players were not only vital to each of their DME team’s success but also to their respective high school squads. They all set great examples of work ethic, sportsmanship, and leadership. We are proud of all their accomplishments and grateful for the contributions they made to DME. Their talent and dedication will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see what they will accomplish in the future.
Congratulations to Taylor Timko, Sydney Moses, Alyssa Kornegay, Gabby Conway, Mollie Martin, Caroline Myers, Ivy Westfall, Emma Van Duesen, Emma Dhainaut, Hannah Zona, Andie Litz, and Isabel Castillon.
Alvaro Sanchez, Director of DME Academy’s volleyball program, was recently honored with the Coach of the Year as well as 6A High School Coach of the Year. He also led his high school team to an outstanding season with the Florida 6A State Championship. Under Sanchez’s guidance, his team developed a strong sense of teamwork and discipline, which helped them achieve success. Coach Sanchez’s players have also seen significant improvement in their skills and game strategies, thanks to his dedication and expertise. The community is proud of Coach Sanchez’s accomplishments and grateful for his contributions to the school and the sport of volleyball.
Learn more about DME Academy’s volleyball program here!