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 Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy Boys National Soccer Team earned an impressive 8–5 victory over Lake Mary on Sunday, powered by a standout performance from Aboubou Haimakoye.
The sophomore forward delivered a dominant attacking display, scoring six goals and adding one assist in a high-tempo, high-scoring matchup. Haimakoye’s movement, finishing, and relentless energy kept Lake Mary guessing and proved decisive in securing the win.
While it is still early in his development and college conversations remain down the road, Haimakoye’s attitude, work ethic, and commitment to improvement continue to set him on a strong long-term trajectory. Performances like this highlight both his potential and the development environment within DME Academy’s soccer program.
The result adds to DME Academy’s momentum as the Boys National Soccer Team continues to compete at a high level and develop talent for the future.
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 Boys Soccer program delivered a perfect weekend on home turf, finishing 3–0 at the Battle at the Beach Showcase, hosted on DME’s campus.
The Regional Team opened the showcase with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over DME Sarasota, setting the tone with disciplined defending and timely finishing. They followed it up with a dominant 9–3 win over Iconz, showcasing attacking depth and control throughout the match.
The National Team capped the weekend with a strong 3–1 win over Shark Coast, combining composure and pace to secure the result and complete an unbeaten weekend for DME.
With both the Regional and National teams contributing to the undefeated run, the Battle at the Beach Showcase highlighted the depth, quality, and competitive standard of DME Academy Boys Soccer as the season continues.
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. – Yan Diomandé and the Ivory Coast national team are moving on to the quarterfinals after a commanding 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.
Diomandé found the scoresheet in the 32nd minute, netting Ivory Coast’s second goal as the Elephants controlled the match from start to finish and secured their place in the quarterfinals.
Ivory Coast will now face Egypt in the AFCON quarterfinals on January 10, with a semifinal berth on the line.
Diomandé’s continued impact on the international stage underscores his rapid rise and reflects the global pathway developed during his time at DME Academy.
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 awards keep coming for DME Academy alumnus Yan Diomandém, who was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for December 2025, an honor that recognizes his exceptional impact during a breakthrough stretch with RB Leipzig.
Diomandé earned the award after fending off strong competition from teammate Conrad Harder and Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. The 19-year-old winger made two starts in December before departing to represent the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a lasting impression across the league.
His standout performance came on Matchday 13, when Diomandé delivered one of the season’s most electric individual displays, scoring a sensational hat-trick in a 6–0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. At just 19 years and 22 days, he became the second-youngest player in Bundesliga history to score three goals in a single match, a milestone previously reached only once before in 1965.
Beyond his scoring output, Diomandé impressed in all phases of play, registering 88 passes and winning 57 percent of his challenges, numbers that underscored his maturity and two-way influence on the wing.
With his rise in Germany and international duties continuing, Diomandé’s trajectory reinforces DME Academy’s commitment to preparing student-athletes for success at the highest levels of the global game.
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. – DME Academy proudly celebrates alumnus Yan Diomandé as he and the Ivory Coast National Team advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after an undefeated run through group play.
Ivory Coast opened the tournament with a 1–0 victory over Mozambique, followed by a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Cameroon. The Elephants then capped off group play with a thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon on December 31, securing their place in the knockout rounds and finishing unbeaten.
Diomandé, one of the tournament’s rising young talents, continues to represent both country and club with confidence and maturity on one of Africa’s biggest stages. His progression at AFCON reflects a rapid ascent that began during his development years at DME Academy and has continued at the professional and international levels.
Ivory Coast will now face Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 on January 6, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
DME Academy congratulates Yan Diomandé and the Ivory Coast National Team on a strong group-stage performance and looks forward to following their continued AFCON campaign.
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. – He is not going anywhere! DME alumnus Mamadou Billo Diop was selected sixth overall by the Colorado Rapids in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, a milestone moment that caps off a standout professional season and solidifies his future at the MLS level.
Diop, who has become a fan favorite in Colorado, remains with the Rapids organization after an impressive 2025 season with Rapids 2, where he recorded 15 goals and 2 assists in 30 appearances. His production, consistency, and attacking presence made him one of the most dangerous forwards in MLS NEXT Pro and a clear top selection in this year’s draft.
The Rapids’ decision to select Diop at Pick No. 6 reflects the club’s belief in his long-term impact and continued development, locking in one of the organization’s brightest young talents as he takes the next step in his professional career.
Diop’s rise from DME Academy to MLS SuperDraft selection underscores the Academy’s growing global footprint and proven ability to develop players ready to perform at the highest levels of the game.
DME Academy congratulates Mamadou Billo Diop and looks forward to following his continued success with the Colorado Rapids.
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. – Today (Dec. 5), the final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held in Washington, D.C., and DME alumnus Yan Diomandé officially learned that he and the Ivory Coast National Team have been drawn into Group E. The Elephants will face a diverse and competitive group that includes Curaçao, Ecuador, and Germany.
Diomandé has quickly emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents, scoring in each of his first two international appearances and helping lead the Ivory Coast to its first World Cup berth since 2014. The former DME standout now prepares to represent his country at the sport’s most prestigious event, running from June 11 through July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ivory Coast Drawn Into Group E
The Elephants will compete in Group E, facing:
This group presents a compelling blend of global football cultures, including the four-time World Cup champions Germany, offering the Ivory Coast both challenge and opportunity as they look to advance to the knockout stages.
Match Schedule to Be Released December 6
The official match dates, times, and host city assignments for Group E will be announced on December 6 at 12:00 p.m. EST. These details will determine the Ivory Coast’s travel path across North America and set the stage for Diomandé’s first World Cup appearances.
DME Academy Celebrates a Historic Moment
Diomandé’s rise from DME Academy to the FIFA World Cup is a landmark achievement for both the player and the program. His journey reflects DME Academy’s growing global footprint and its commitment to preparing athletes for elite performance on the world stage. DME Academy will provide complete coverage of the Ivory Coast’s World Cup schedule and Diomandé’s performance throughout the tournament.
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. – Former DME Academy standout Joachim Kyei continues to shine on one of the biggest stages in junior college soccer, helping guide Daytona State College to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Championship Final. The Falcons will face Indian Hills Community College on Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m. EST, with a national title on the line.
Daytona State earned its spot in the final with a pair of impressive victories earlier this week. On Tuesday, the Falcons defeated Barton Community College 4–3 in a high-energy quarterfinal match in which Kyei played the full 90 minutes and recorded a crucial assist.
The momentum continued into Thursday’s semifinal, where Daytona State posted a commanding 3–1 win over Mohave College, securing their place in Saturday’s championship match.
Since graduating from DME, Kyei has continued to elevate his game as one of Daytona State’s most influential players, helping push the program to the brink of a national championship. His rise reinforces DME Academy’s track record of developing athletes who excel at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
DME Academy congratulates Joachim Kyei and the Daytona State Falcons on their exceptional postseason performance and wishes them the best of luck in the 2025 NJCAA National Championship Final. Follow along by clicking here:
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.