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 world-class basketball facilities and professional, college-level coaching are designed to elevate your skills and mindset. Whether you’re refining your shot or mastering your footwork, you’ll train alongside driven athletes from across the globe.
This is where serious players 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. With over 120 athletes advancing to NCAA programs, DME soccer players 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.
Develop ball control, passing accuracy, and first touch through drills designed by our International Development Academy coaching partnership.
COMPETITIVE PLAY
Test your skills in live scrimmages and match situations that build game awareness and composure under pressure.
Build soccer-specific speed, agility, and endurance through professional strength and conditioning programs.
TACTICAL IQ
Sharpen your positional awareness, decision-making, and team play through video analysis and on-field tactical sessions.
DME Academy provides soccer athletes with an elite training environment. Our campus features a dedicated onsite turf practice field, access to 12+ fully lit grass fields, two weight rooms, a spa and recovery facility, and an audio/visual center for game film analysis. With training infrastructure that rivals collegiate programs, DME gives every athlete 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
DME Sports Academy Soccer provides a high-performance training environment for players seeking a pathway to college and professional soccer. Our Identification Player Clinics are designed to evaluate competitive players and identify talent for placement within DME Soccer programs, offering elite development, exposure, and guidance to help players reach the next level.
With years of professional and collegiate experience, our team brings out the best in student-athletes as we continually develop our student-athletes for the next level.
All clinics will be held on DME Academy's pristine turf soccer field.
Girls soccer at DME Academy is already making moves in the 2025–26 season. Just days after their opening match, the team is building on the work they put in last year and the summer training that kept players sharp. With returning experience and new talent, the program is positioned to compete at a high level.
Last season provided a solid platform for growth, and that momentum carried into the offseason. Preseason served as a vital period for regaining match fitness, integrating new players, and reinforcing the team’s established training model.
While the preseason period focused on growth and team chemistry, it also offered a clear evaluation point. Coaches observed which players maintained their conditioning and commitment over the summer.
“It usually takes a few sessions to knock off the cobwebs, but that initial adjustment period tells us a lot,” says Head Coach Kioki Hutchings.
As training sessions progress, the energy ramps up. Effort increases, intensity rises, and the coaching staff begins pushing players toward their full potential.
“By the end of the first week, we usually start getting the most out of the players,” Coach Kioki adds. “That’s when things start to really come together.”
As training sessions progressed, energy and intensity ramped up. Effort levels rose, and the coaching staff began pushing players toward their full potential.
“By the end of the first week, we usually start getting the most out of the players,” Hutchings adds. “That’s when things start to really come together.”
The focus is not just on conditioning but on smart preparation for the competitive calendar ahead. “We spend a lot of time making sure the players’ bodies are capable of competing at a high level,” Hutchings explains. “Now that the regular season is underway, we’ve shifted toward tactical preparation.”
With match fitness on the rise and a growing sense of team unity, DME Academy girls soccer has set a strong tone for the season ahead. The work done over the summer and in preseason is already paying off — and the team is ready to build on it in the matches to come.
Daytona, FL. Eighteen-year-old DME Academy soccer program alum Yan Diomande has signed with Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig. The deal, finalized this week, follows Diomande’s impressive run with CD Leganés in Spain’s top division. The reported transfer fee is around €20 million, making him one of the most valuable transfers in Leganés history.
This move highlights the steady rise of a player who has been on the radar since his time at DME Academy.
It’s a big move, but not a surprising one for those who’ve followed his rise.
Before heading to Europe, Diomande stood out in the United States Premier League, where he led the league in goals and earned attention for his athleticism, composure, and technical skill.
Leganés signed him in January 2025. Just weeks later, he made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid. He went on to earn starts against Barcelona, Mallorca, and Girona, proving himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
RB Leipzig, known for developing top youth talent, sees Diomande as a strong fit for their style of play.
“With Yan Diomande, we’ve signed an absolute top talent,” said Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer. “He’s a left winger with outstanding pace, strong dribbling, athleticism, and a real finishing instinct. He never loses the ball and plays a very team-oriented game. With these qualities, he’s a perfect fit for our style of play.”
Diomande will wear the number 49 shirt in his first Bundesliga season.
DME Academy is proud to have provided the foundation for Yan Diomande to reach his dream. The right environment, coaching, and daily standards are key to long-term success at the next level.
If you’re ready to elevate your game, click the link below and take the first step.
Explore the soccer program at DME Academy
Daytona FL. DME Academy is strengthening its academy soccer program with the leadership of Kioki Hutchings, Director and Head Coach of the Girls Soccer Program. Since joining the staff, Coach Kioki has been instrumental in building the structure and culture of both the boys and girls teams.
A former NCAA Division II athlete at Lander University, Coach Kioki went on to play semi-professional soccer with multiple clubs. His playing career shaped his approach to coaching—focused on work ethic, accountability, and leadership development.
Since his arrival, the program has expanded to include two boys teams and one girls team. Each team reflects a commitment to high standards, discipline, and a shared goal of long-term success within the academy soccer environment.
“Lift your teammates through thick and thin,” said Coach Kioki. “Not everyone is going to have a great game every time. Take responsibility.”
Coach Kioki focuses on building complete athletes—both on and off the field. His coaching emphasizes core values such as trust, responsibility, and leadership. He promotes a team-first mindset while allowing room for individual creativity and growth.
“Hold yourself and your peers accountable when you could be doing more to reach our common goals,” he said. “Off the field, I expect players to understand that every action has a reaction.”
As the program continues to grow, Coach Kioki remains committed to raising the standard of academy soccer at DME. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the future is promising for student-athletes looking to compete at the next level.
To learn more about DME Academy’s soccer program, visit our website.
Daytona, FL. DME Academy is expanding its club soccer programming to Daytona, with official team launch set for the 2026/27 season. This new initiative follows the successful growth of DME Academy’s soccer programs in Sarasota and Tampa and reflects the academy’s broader commitment to athlete development across Florida.
The Daytona club soccer program will launch with tryouts in April/May 2026, preparing for competition in the Fall 2026 season. Ahead of that, DME will host a series of ID clinics beginning in Fall 2025, along with campus-based information sessions for prospective athletes and families.
The Daytona teams will be based at DME Academy’s Daytona campus, providing student-athletes with access to:
Lighted, professional-grade turf fields for training and competition
An on-site performance gym with custom strength and conditioning programs
Recovery tools and performance analytics to support long-term health and development
Experienced coaching staff with collegiate and professional backgrounds
Indoor futsal training space for use during inclement weather
Academic pathways for both commuters and full-time student-athletes
Jared Antista, Director of Soccer Development at DME, shared the vision:
“We’ve established a strong foundation in Sarasota and launched several teams in Tampa. Daytona is the next step in our plan to bring high-performance soccer to more athletes across the state. Our structure, resources, and values are resonating with families who want something more intentional than what traditional club environments provide.”
Dan Panaggio, Co-Founder of DME Academy, added:
“Bringing club soccer to Daytona gives student-athletes in the region access to a proven development model. With our facilities, trainers, and academic options, we’re able to support both athletic and personal growth—something that sets DME apart.”
Details on ID clinics, tryout registration, coaching staff, and program structure will be released in the coming months.
For additional information:
Visit the DME Academy Soccer Page
Learn more about DME Academy’s academic programs
Daytona, FL. Yan Diomande’s first goal in La Liga came in the 41st minute of Matchday 35—right foot, center of the box, no hesitation the 18-year-old midfielder, a standout from DME Academy in Florida, helped CD Leganés secure a crucial 3–2 win over Espanyol. With just three games left in the season, every point counts in their battle to avoid relegation.
Diomande’s finish wasn’t just a stat. It earned him a spot on the LaLiga EA Sports Team of the Week. At 18 years old, he’s now made 7 league appearances, 6 as a starter, and he’s helping keep Leganés alive in a tight relegation race. They sit 18th—just one point behind Alavés—with three matches left.
Leganés currently sits 18th in the league standings, just one point behind Alavés. With three games left, every goal—and every player—matters. Diomande’s rise comes at the perfect time.
Before he made his mark in Spain, he trained and developed at DME Academy in Florida. The same place that has helped athletes reach pro clubs, national teams, and top European leagues like La Liga and Serie A.
Before rising on Spain’s professional stage, Diomande trained at DME Academy in Daytona Beach. He honed his technical skills, learned elite-level discipline, and prepared for the kind of high-pressure moments that define a career.
At DME Academy, athletes don’t just dream—they prepare. Diomande’s La Liga goal proves what happens when talent meets the right training environment.
We’re proud to have played a part in Yan Diomande’s journey—and even prouder to see him shine on one of football’s biggest stages. If you’re an aspiring athlete ready to take the next step, the path starts here.
Learn more about DME Academy’s soccer program →
Daytona, FL. At just 18 years old, Yan Diomande has made his professional debut in Spain’s top flight—La Liga—as he suited up for C.D. Leganés against one of the most iconic clubs in the world: Real Madrid.
Sharing the field with global superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Yan didn’t just take part—he stood out. A photo captured him side by side with Mbappé, marking an unforgettable milestone in his journey from DME Academy to European football.
In the match, Yan recorded one shot and one shot on target, making an immediate impact. But it was a second-half moment that truly turned heads: With a burst of pace and composure, he pushed the ball between two defenders on the right side of the goal. Though he couldn’t get the shot off, he forced a dangerous corner kick that nearly tied the match. Leganés would ultimately fall 3–2, but Yan’s fearless play proved he was ready for the global stage.
Yan’s road to professional soccer didn’t happen overnight. At DME Academy, he refined his skillset, strengthened his mindset, and consistently rose to the occasion. In his time here, he:
C.D. Leganés saw what we saw: an elite forward with international experience (as a former Ivory Coast U-17) and the work rate to match. Now part of the Leganés family, Yan brings explosive speed, vision, and technical excellence to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
At DME Academy, we don’t just build athletes—we prepare them for the biggest stages in sports. Through our professional-grade facilities, expert coaching staff, and a culture rooted in excellence, we provide student-athletes the foundation to chase greatness.
Yan’s story is proof that anything is possible with the right environment, belief, and support system.
DME Academy isn’t just a school. It’s a launchpad for driven athletes with big dreams. Yan’s story proves what’s possible with the right support, training, and mindset.
If you or someone you know is ready to pursue high-level soccer development, now is the time.
Speak with a Student Advisor and see how we help athletes unlock their full potential.
