Five countries. One team. One vision.
When the final whistle blew in Las Vegas, the DME Academy volleyball team had just won the Premier Division at the Under Armour 18U National Championships. The scoreline mattered. The trophy mattered. But what I saw in those final moments was something bigger: proof that five girls from different continents could learn to play together, trust each other under the worst pressure, and execute at the highest level.
“It’s a nice accomplishment for a great group of kids and families,” reflected Coach Alvaro Sanchez on the championship run. “But it also shows our intention to put together a competitive program year after year. It shows seriousness of the program to attract like-minded athletes with similar goals.”
That seriousness didn’t start in Las Vegas. It started in the gym. Every day. Long before nationals.
Building Something From Scratch
“There have been challenges bringing girls from all over the world to learn to play one way,” continued Coach Alvaro. “In the fall we saw some success, but it wasn’t consistent. In April, I remember remarking about wishing we had this chemistry in the fall.”
Chemistry doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when players live together, train together, study together, and learn each other’s language on and off the court. It happens in the gym during practice, in the dining hall at lunch, and in the dorm rooms at night. It happens because the environment around them is built to reinforce one thing: you belong here, you’re being developed here, and your growth extends far beyond the sport.
I identified culture keepers who held the group together: Juanita, Carley, Keri, and Mariana. With three of them graduating, the strength of what they’d built in that group became critical. There was no meltdown. There was no collapse. There was just the next player ready to step in.
“The team had constant lineup changes and lent themselves to a plug and play adaptability that was admirable,” continued coach Sanchez. “No matter who was in, they found ways to be productive.”
That adaptability revealed itself early in the tournament. Going into Las Vegas, my goal was simple but demanding; exhibit competitive spirit, give best effort and focus at all times, celebrate each other. These aren’t complicated things. They’re hard things. Especially when you haven’t played tournaments together since fall, especially when you’re facing teams that may have trained year-round as a unit, and especially when your captain is managing a shoulder injury.
I made a calculated decision: limit the captain’s workload early so fresh legs could absorb the load. It worked. It required trust that the next player could step into a leadership role and deliver. That only happens when a program has spent time developing people, not just players.
Execution Under Pressure
In a crossover match against Nordique on day two, the team faced a bigger opponent with physical advantages at the net. The response was pure systems volleyball: switch the pin hitters, give different looks on both sides, execute serve and pass strategy, limit what the other team could do offensively.
The mental discipline required for that kind of adjustment is developed in a place where students are constantly challenged to solve problems, adapt to pressure, and think beyond the obvious solution. It’s developed in classrooms and in residential life, not just in the gym.
Several matches came down to clutch moments. Marcela came in cold off the bench in a high-pressure situation and got a termination block that gave her team breathing room. Mariana showed up in the moments that mattered, even when she wasn’t having her best match. And Juanita, in the championship set at 23-23, was challenged by assistant coach Hector Garcia to explode and go over the top. She did. The kill sealed the match.
“Different players stepped up in different moments,” concluded Coach Sanchez. “It will be tough to replicate those that graduated in that sense. They genuinely enjoyed each other and celebrated each other well. Lots of tears at the end of it all.”
Those tears weren’t just about winning. They were about what it took to get there. They were about being pushed to uncomfortable places so you can grow. They were about belonging to something bigger than yourself.
What This Actually Shows
“Three players made the all-tournament team: Keri Petro, Giovana Menegazzo, and Mariana Castaño. Luna played the best I’ve ever seen her play. Aniya and Carley were exceptional all weekend. It was a team victory, and the championship reflected that.”
But the larger reflection goes back to why DME Academy exists.
“We were fortunate. Not every group is the same,” expressed Coach Alvaro. “But somehow we were able to bring together kids from five different countries, to get on the same page and play one way, with intention, intensity, relentless effort and competitive spirit. We hope to pass that on to the next group, but every build, every puzzle comes together differently in its own time.”
The standard at DME is to hold students to expectations that make them uncomfortable so they can grow and handle pressure well in the game. It’s to face the best competition possible so there’s only one option: bring your best every time. And through it all, come out the other side with better problem solvers, adaptable athletes, and incredible learners.
A national championship is one way to measure that. But the real measure is what happens next: whether those five girls from different continents carry that growth into their next chapter, whether they understand that adaptability and resilience and genuine connection are portable skills, and whether they believe they belong somewhere bigger than a volleyball court.
That’s what winning in Las Vegas actually meant.
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*DME Academy volleyball competes in multiple divisions across all age groups. Learn more about our volleyball program, or schedule a visit to see our elite development approach in action.*
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – DME Academy has entered into a multi-year partnership with adidas, with BSN SPORTS serving as the academy’s official outfitter and equipment provider. The agreement establishes adidas as the exclusive supplier of uniforms, apparel, footwear, and accessories across all DME Academy programs.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and the continued growth of student-athletes within a high-performance training environment. Through this collaboration, DME Academy athletes will be equipped with adidas’ industry-leading technology, including advanced performance fabrics and sport-specific footwear designed to support training and competition at the highest level.
BSN SPORTS will play a central role in delivering this experience, providing streamlined access to adidas products along with customized service and operational support. The partnership ensures efficient delivery, consistent quality, and tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of DME Academy’s coaches, staff, and athletes. With dedicated service and a strong national distribution network, BSN SPORTS enhances the day-to-day experience for every program within the academy.
“This partnership represents an important step forward for DME Academy as we continue to invest in the overall student-athlete experience,” said Seth Brown, CEO of DME Academy. “Aligning with adidas and BSN SPORTS allows us to provide world-class resources while reinforcing the standard of excellence we expect across all of our programs.”
In addition to performance benefits, the agreement will expand brand visibility for adidas across DME Academy’s facilities, digital platforms, and athlete development initiatives. The partnership also introduces enhanced access to custom team stores, giving athletes, families, and supporters the opportunity to engage more directly with the DME brand.
“We’re proud to partner with DME Academy and adidas to support one of the nation’s premier training and educational institutions for student-athletes,” said Doug Patterson, Area Sales Manager, Central Florida at BSN SPORTS. “DME Academy has built an environment centered on elite development, academic excellence, and character building, and we’re excited to provide the apparel, footwear, equipment, and service solutions that allow student-athletes and coaches to focus on performance.”
DME Academy continues to establish itself as a leading destination for student-athletes seeking a comprehensive approach to development, combining elite training, academic support, and exposure to collegiate and professional pathways. This partnership further strengthens that mission by aligning the academy with two industry leaders committed to advancing sport at every level.
About DME Academy
DME Academy is a premier sports academy focused on developing student-athletes through a comprehensive model that integrates elite training, academic excellence, and character development. With programs designed to prepare athletes for collegiate and professional opportunities, DME Academy provides a high-performance environment that emphasizes discipline, exposure, and long-term success.
About adidas
adidas is a global leader in athletic and lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories. Driven by innovation and design, adidas develops performance products that help athletes at all levels reach their full potential while also shaping sport and culture worldwide.
About BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is a leading provider of team sports uniforms, apparel, and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS serves more than 150,000 institutional and team sports customers, including collegiate, scholastic, club, and recreational programs across the United States. With a nationwide network of sales professionals and a multi-channel approach that includes e-commerce and direct sales, BSN SPORTS offers a broad selection of products and customized solutions designed to support athletes, coaches, and teams.
Learn more at www.BSNSPORTS.com.
BOARDING OPTIONS
1-Week | Boarder: $1,349
COMMUTER OPTIONS
1-Week | Commuter: $349
At DME Academy, we don't just develop players — we shape champions.
Our turf fields, batting facilities, and professional coaching staff are designed to sharpen every aspect of your game. Whether you're working on your swing, refining your mechanics, or competing in live situations, you'll train alongside driven athletes from across the country.
This is where serious ballplayers push each other to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level. Experience the DME difference and take your game to new heights!
Our alumni compete at the highest levels of the game. From youth to NCAA Division I programs, DME baseball athletes are making their mark. Experience the training that got them there at our weekly camps!
Personalized Development Over Mass Enrollment: At DME Academy, every athlete is seen, coached, and developed. Unlike larger programs, our summer camps are intentionally smaller — allowing for more individualized attention, direct feedback from coaches, and meaningful player growth both on and off the court or field.
Elite Training Without the Overhead: DME offers the same professional-level coaching and world-class facilities, but at a more accessible price point. Our focus is on quality instruction and player advancement — not inflated tuition or commercialized camp experiences.
Real Competition, Real Exposure: While other camps focus on internal scrimmages, DME athletes compete in official AAU tournaments and showcase events, gaining real game experience and exposure to college recruiters and scouts throughout Florida.
Sharpen your fundamentals and develop the key skills needed to compete and excel at the next level of play.
PLAY WITH THE BEST
Compete and train alongside top athletes from around the world, challenging yourself to reach new heights and refine your skills.
Increase speed, strength, and endurance with our advanced training and sport-specific methods.
MINDSET & GAME IQ
Develop the mindset of a champion. Gain focus, confidence, and discipline to thrive under pressure.
DME Academy provides baseball athletes with the tools to develop at an elite level. Our campus features a dedicated onsite turf practice field, access to 12+ fully lit grass fields, two weight rooms, a recovery facility, and an audio/visual center for film analysis and swing breakdown. With training infrastructure that competes with most collegiate programs, DME ensures every athlete has the resources to elevate their game.
*Example schedule. Actual camp may vary
Athletes will have a variety of options - pancakes, waffles, orange juice & omelettes to keep them energized throughout the day!
Breakfast
Different styles of weight training and cardio to help keep endurance and get stronger!
Strength and Conditioning
Shooting form, rebounding, dribbling, finishing skills, and footwork.
Skill Development
Athletes will have the option of sandwiches, smoothies, fruit and protein bars for their lunch!
Lunch
The afternoon athletes will have the chance to grow their skills and play some games with competition from all over the country!
Games
Athletes will have pizza, salad, pasta, and a dessert selection for dinner to keep them full throughout the night!
Dinner
This time will be used for those athletes who want to get a couple more reps in and/or dig into the film learning from the game and or day's practice sessions.
Optional Shooting &/or Film Sessions
Daytona Beach, Fla. – On February 19, the DME Academy Varsity Baseball Team delivered a commanding performance in a 16–0 victory over the Warner Christian Academy Eagles, highlighted by a no-hitter from Carter Roe and a powerful offensive showing.
Roe was dominant on the mound, throwing a complete-game no-hitter and setting the tone from the first pitch. His control and composure silenced the Eagles’ lineup and anchored the team’s incredible performance.
At the plate, Reito Matsuba led the offensive charge with three hits, sparking a relentless attack that racked up runs all afternoon.
The shutout victory reinforces DME Academy Baseball’s commitment to competing at a high level while continuing to develop players capable of making an impact both on the mound and at the plate.
About DME Academy
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 Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy Varsity Baseball Team opened its season in dominant fashion on Tuesday, earning a 16–0 win over Mainland High School behind a massive offensive showing and a historic performance on the mound.
DME’s lineup set the tone early and never looked back, delivering a relentless offensive attack that produced runs throughout the game and put constant pressure on the Mainland defense.
On the mound, Konosuke Shimizu delivered a flawless outing, throwing a perfect game to anchor the season-opening victory. Shimizu faced the minimum, showcasing command, efficiency, and composure while retiring every batter he faced.
The shutout win provides an early glimpse of the depth, balance, and competitive edge within the DME Baseball program as the team begins its 2026 campaign.
DME Academy Baseball will look to build on the momentum as the season continues.
About DME
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 Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy Varsity Baseball team continued its strong fall season over the weekend with an emphatic 16–1 win over Juniata Elite in Game 2 of pool play, finishing the day 1–1.
On the mound, Konosuke Shimizu delivered a commanding performance, tossing five innings with zero walks and six strikeouts to earn the win. Shimizu’s control and composure set the tone early, keeping Juniata’s offense in check from start to finish.
DME’s offense exploded at the plate, with Brody Meadows, Reito Matsuba, Jason Bruce, and Shimizu all collecting multiple hits in the team’s most complete performance of the weekend. The balanced attack and aggressive baserunning helped DME pull away and secure the lopsided victory.
About DME Academy
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 Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy Varsity Baseball Team picked up a hard-fought 6–3 victory over SSEA on Monday (Oct. 13), using a late offensive surge in the fifth inning to secure the win.
With the game tied 3–3, Reito Matsuba delivered the decisive blow, a bases-clearing triple that drove in three runs and put DME ahead for good. The clutch hit capped off a strong offensive frame that also included a bases-loaded walk from Carter Roe, who reached safely earlier in the game with a key single down the left-field line to spark DME’s first rally.
On the mound, Nick Bellamore earned the win with an efficient performance, throwing six innings while allowing only three runs, none of which were earned. He struck out three and walked three, keeping SSEA off balance throughout the afternoon.
Offensively, Brody Meadows and Shiloh Gallimore each collected two hits, while Kaiden Sullivan led the way with two walks. The team drew a total of six walks, showing off a disciplined approach at the plate.
With timely hitting, solid pitching, and strong team chemistry, the Varsity Baseball Team continues to build momentum early in the season as they prepare for a challenging schedule ahead.
About DME Academy
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.
DME Academy Varsity blanked TNXL Academy Varsity Ducks 7-0 on Monday as three pitchers combined for a dominant shutout. The victory was another strong showing for DME’s Florida baseball program, where pitching and power hitting continue to set the tone.
Konosuke Shimizu opened the game with confidence. The right-hander threw five shutout innings, allowing four hits while striking out four. Shiloh Gallimore and Jason Bruce came on in relief, each adding scoreless innings to complete the Florida baseball win. Gallimore sealed the shutout by striking out the final batter.
At the plate, Zach Kilian was unstoppable. He went four-for-four, hitting a home run in the fifth inning, doubling twice earlier in the game, and adding a single in the seventh. His bat drove in key runs and gave DME a commanding lead.
Other contributors included Aedan Connolly, who collected two hits and scored in the opening inning, and Ayumu Nakamura, who reached base twice and added an RBI. In addition, Shimizu lifted a sacrifice fly in the third inning to extend the lead.
DME’s offense opened the scoring in the first inning, capitalizing on singles and walks to build an early cushion. The team added another run in the third and three more in the fifth. By the end of the night, the lineup had produced seven runs on timely hits and disciplined at-bats.
Defensively, DME Academy Varsity turned a double play and kept TNXL from mounting any serious rally. Meanwhile, TNXL’s Braeden Gaffney managed two hits, but it wasn’t enough to break through against DME’s pitching staff.
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is home to one of the state’s premier baseball programs. With elite coaching, year-round competition, and player development that prepares athletes for the next level, DME continues to build a tradition of excellence on the diamond.
Ready to elevate your game? Click here to learn more or to talk with a student advisor.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – At DME Academy, the start of the 2025-26 baseball campaign is right around the corner, and head coach Michael Mains is armed with a roster that reflects both local talent and international reach. With a history of developing student-athletes who go on to compete at the NCAA Division I and professional levels, DME’s baseball program is poised for another competitive year.
The 2025 squad features a strong core of returning players paired with a talented international group. The team is set to compete in a 20-game fall schedule that includes two Perfect Game tournaments before entering an expanded spring slate highlighted by Florida Independent Schools Association (FISA) competition and a push for a playoff championship.
“We’re super excited,” said Mains. “Our group is young but focused—mostly 9th–11th graders—and we expect to compete at a varsity level. We over-performed last year, and I think we’re better this year.”
DME’s roster now represents multiple countries, fulfilling the Academy’s vision of building a truly global program. Players from Japan, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas will suit up this season.
“Our international players have fit in really well,” Main said. “We’ve got two from Japan on campus now and a player from Mexico, with two more internationals arriving soon. It’s already opening a new audience for us; we’ve gained 20–30 new Japanese followers this week alone.”
Among the standouts this year is Zack Killian, who earned recognition on the Perfect Game All-State team.
“Zack’s selection is a big deal and a reflection of the work he’s put in,” said Main. “We’re excited to see how his development continues this season.”
DME kicks off the season on the road on September 11 at 12 p.m. when they head to Ocoee, Florida, to face off against TNXL Academy.
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.The DME Academy baseball team is past the halfway point of the season, holding a solid 8-5 record. The boys are gaining momentum as they head into the final stretch of Florida high school baseball.
They’ve faced a mix of junior varsity and varsity opponents from across the U.S. and Canada. Despite the tough competition, DME has played at a high level all year. Head Coach Michael Main is proud of their effort and growth.
“We’ve played tough, stayed together, and competed against strong programs,” said Coach Main. “The boys have shown a lot of growth already.”
DME’s pitching staff has been a major strength. Carter Roe, Zack Kilian, and Kaiden Sullivan have taken on most of the starting duties. In relief, Kade Nemitz has stepped up, handling pressure well and keeping games under control.
On offense, Shiloh Gallimore leads the team in batting average. He’s also been solid defensively at multiple positions. Meanwhile, Brody Meadows has stood out at shortstop. His highlight plays have helped lock down the infield and boost team energy.
The regular season wraps up with some tough matchups, including games against TNXL Academy. This is one of Florida’s top baseball programs, so it will be a great test for DME. However, the team is ready. With strong leadership and focus, they’re pushing to finish the season on a high note.
DME Academy offers elite baseball development with national competition, college prep, and a proven system to help athletes succeed. Learn more about our baseball program and apply now to start your journey.
