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.
Daytona, FLA. DME Academy’s Beach Volleyball team kicked off its first season with two big wins, defeating Matanzas in a tight 3-2 match before sweeping Burns Science & Technology 5-0. The debut showcased the team’s talent and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
DME’s first-ever victory came in a hard-fought match against Matanzas. Alea DiSantis & Olivia Lewis secured the program’s first dual win, dominating 21-12, 21-12 at the No. 4 seed. Giovanna Agostini & Marcela Dias added another win at No. 2, battling to a 2-1 victory.
After Matanzas took the No. 3 and No. 1 seed matches, the outcome rested on the No. 5 pair. Ann-Charlotte Fontana & Lorali Strickland delivered under pressure, closing out the match 21-11, 21-8 to clinch DME’s first program victory.
“This was a great way to kick off DME Beach Volleyball,” said Head Coach Craig Lenniger. “Our girls stepped up when it mattered most.”
Facing another first-year program in Burns Science & Technology, DME settled in and dominated from start to finish, securing a 5-0 sweep. The top three seeds all won in straight sets before lineup changes at No. 4 and No. 5 gave more players a chance to shine. Ann-Charlotte Fontana & Rebecca Lopes and Luna Arias-Figueroa & Kyla LaBarre both won in 2-0 sweeps to close out the night.
“Starting the season 2-0 feels great, but we have a lot to improve before our next matches,” Lenniger added.
DME Academy is committed to developing top athletes through elite coaching and competition. Learn more about our volleyball programs today.
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.
This is a program perfect for the athlete who has played beach before or who has some indoor experience and is looking to play on their high school team in the upcoming year. We will focus on beach skills development, intermediate beach situational awareness and game play.
This is a program perfect for the athlete who has played a little beach before or who has some indoor experience. We will focus on beach skill development, understanding the differences on the beach and game play.
With 4 sand/beach volleyball courts on-site and a 60x40 turf field used for soccer and outdoor performance training, the DME Academy continues to expand. We also have access to 14 beach volleyball courts on Daytona Beach.
Finding the right summer sports camp is crucial to your child’s athletic and personal development. At DME Academy, our programs are specifically designed to nurture each athlete’s potential, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience that extends beyond just sports training.
At DME Academy, we recognize the unique goals and interests of each young athlete. Our camp offerings span various sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and more. Tailored to meet athletes at every level, from beginners to advanced competitors, our camps ensure focused attention and skill development for everyone.
DME Academy Summer Camps Available in 2024:
Volleyball Gold Medal Square Camp
Lacrosse Camp powered by System Eighty-One
DME Competitive Summer Prep Camps:
Expert Coaching and World-Class Facilities
Our dedicated coaches bring their passion and expertise to our top-notch facilities, fostering an environment where young athletes can challenge themselves and excel. With access to professional training and insights, participants are empowered to reach new milestones in their athletic journeys.
Beyond the Field
We believe in the power of sports to teach valuable life lessons. Our camps emphasize values like resilience, leadership, and teamwork, creating a nurturing atmosphere for athletes to develop not just physically but also as well-rounded individuals. This approach helps participants to build character, forge lasting friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
The Benefits of Joining a DME Summer Prep Camp:
At DME Academy, we’re committed to providing a transformative summer experience for young athletes. With our comprehensive training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated coaching staff, we offer the perfect environment for athletes to thrive. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, or any other sport, our camps focus on honing skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling values that extend beyond the field. Join us this summer and discover the difference at DME Academy! Learn more about our summer offerings by visiting our website.
The evolution of sports-focused education has increased its appeal amongst College coaches and Professional scouts. A deepened focus on a holistic approach to personal development has changed the recruiting landscape by preparing high level student-athletes to succeed at the next level. This developing model has produced some of the most recognizable student-athletes in today’s sports. While combining a purposefully academic schedule with a concentration on athletic preparation, student-athletes will now attain the utensils to achieve their personal goals. They will also possess a favorable appeal to all collegiate and professional levels. The experiences and resources that academies provide, will only ensure a greater athlete experience, a pathway towards college eligibility and acceptance while also cultivating personal development.
As the new Director of Athletics and former Director of Soccer, Todd Eason looks to implement a platform within the athletic department that has proven success. The Men’s and Women’s soccer teams have gained recognition on and off the field with the influences that Mr. Eason has implemented. The approach that Eason uses incorporates transparency, accountability and consistency, while facing extreme daily challenges. These three pillars have helped players establish sustained success while creating habits towards personal growth. Holding student-athletes to a higher standard off the playing court/field has allowed individuals to understand the importance of personal values and discipline. Furthermore, Eason’s commitment towards consistency throughout this process has shown his own discipline in valuing person over athlete.
With an understanding and experience in all levels of soccer, Eason’s team culture has provided various paths for his student-athletes and is now the foundation which he leads. His new role as Athletic Director will now provide him the opportunity to share his philosophy across the department and help influence a school identity that will help all programs find success.
This holiday season, consider gifting your child more than just material possessions. DME Academy offers an unforgettable alternative — elite experiences that not only bring joy but also contribute to your child’s development and well-being.
1. Elite Sports Development: Ignite the Champion Within
DME Academy stands at the forefront of elite sports training, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced coaches dedicated to unlocking your child’s athletic potential. The coaching at DME is unparalleled, providing specialized guidance that can elevate your child’s game to new heights. From refining fundamental skills to advanced techniques, our camps focus on comprehensive sports development, ensuring that your young athlete not only excels in their chosen sport but also gains a competitive edge.
DME Academy’s elite sports camps are not just a great gift for kids, but an investment in their athletic future. Imagine the pride and confidence your child will exude as they showcase newfound skills and compete at a higher level after receiving top-notch training from DME’s accomplished coaching staff.
2. Enhanced Health and Well-being: Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally
In today’s digital age, the importance of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for children cannot be overstated. DME Academy’s camps provide the perfect antidote to excessive screen time by immersing your child in a world of physical activity, mental stimulation, and emotional growth.
Our carefully crafted programs ignite your child’s inner drive to be more active and engage in sports, fostering habits that contribute to their overall well-being. Away from the screen, they’ll participate in sports training, strength and conditioning workouts (sometimes on the beach for an extra dose of excitement), and recreational activities that challenge and nurture their physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.
By choosing DME Academy’s camps, you’re not only gifting a memorable experience but also supporting your child’s health and wellness, setting the foundation for a balanced and active lifestyle.
3. Unforgettable Experience: Creating Memories That Last a Lifetime
DME Academy’s Summer Camps promise an unforgettable experience that extends far beyond the realm of sports training. Picture your child embarking on thrilling adventures, from fun and intense workouts on the beach to exciting trips to Universal Studios and tours of local universities.
Beyond the physical activities, the bonds formed with fellow campers from around the world add a layer of richness to the experience. Lifelong friendships are forged as young athletes share their passion for sports, creating a global community that extends beyond the camp’s duration.
Choosing DME’s Summer Camps as a holiday gift for kids means giving your child more than just a few weeks of fun—it’s about providing an immersive experience that shapes their character, builds lasting memories, and fosters a love for sports that will endure.
DME is offering $350 off any Summer Prep Camp this month only when you use the promo code “HOLIDAY23”. To find the camp that’s right for your young athlete, click here.
DME Academy’s Summer Prep Camps are back for the summer of 2024, and they promise to be the best yet! Whether you’re passionate about soccer, basketball, volleyball, or baseball, our elite summer camps are designed to help athletes maximize their potential, develop their skills, and have an unforgettable summer experience.
Soccer Summer Prep: July 1-21, 2024
Kick off your summer with DME’s Soccer Summer Prep Camp led by legendary coach Thales Peterson. The camp runs from July 1 to 21 and offers one, two, and three-week options with choices for boarders and non-boarders. Coach Thales, who also serves as the head soccer coach at DME, brings a wealth of professional experience and high-energy, motivational instruction to the camp.
The focus of this camp is on technical training with a strong emphasis on footwork and game situations and strategies that impact athlete performance. Campers will develop their soccer skills, game IQ, and overall athletic abilities with the support of our experienced coaching staff. We also introduce sport-specific strength and conditioning best practices to get your body and mind ready for game action. Our goal is to lay the foundation for your athlete to increase speed, strength, agility, flexibility, and explosiveness.
Basketball Summer Prep: July 1-21, 2024
Our highly popular Basketball Summer Prep Camp returns this summer from July 1 to 21. The three-week program offers boarding and non-boarding options. Directed by Matt Panaggio and Mike Panaggio, both with years of experience in playing and coaching basketball, this camp is a dream come true for young basketball enthusiasts.
The camp includes two on-court practices per day, four strength and conditioning workouts per week, beach workouts, a trip to a Universal Studios amusement park, and participation in three Florida AAU Tournaments/Events.
Volleyball Summer Prep: July 14-27, 2024
For female athletes aged 14-18, our Volleyball Summer Prep Camp, running from July 14 to 27, offers intensive one or two-week options with choices to board or commute. This program is designed to help serious volleyball athletes improve their game and prepare for the next level.
Under the guidance of DME Volleyball head coach, Craig Lenniger, campers will receive top-tier training, access to the best coaches and facilities, and exposure to high levels of competition.
Baseball Summer Prep: July 14-27, 2024
For young baseball enthusiasts in middle to high school, our Baseball Summer Prep Camp is an intensive program designed to help athletes improve their game and get ready for their next season. This camp runs from July 14 to 27 and offers one or two-week options, with choices to board or commute.
Directed by DME Baseball head coach, Michael Main, a former MLB pitcher and first-round draft pick, this camp provides exposure to the highest levels of instruction and competition. Athletes will develop their game, athletic abilities, and train to become the best version of themselves, both in character and athletic performance.
At DME Academy, we take pride in our experienced coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and the unforgettable experience that our camps offer. Athletes from all over the world come together to develop and compete, form lasting friendships, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock your athletic potential and have an amazing summer experience at DME Academy’s Summer Prep Camps 2024. Secure your spot now and get ready to #IgniteTheDream!
