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.
They say the things that are worth it, never come easy. The same could be said for DME Academy’s 14U Sanders softball team’s road to the ISA Championship in Clermont, FL.
The journey started with a shut-out win over the TNT 14U. Aiyanna Gerhardt threw a complete game, ending in a 13-0 win for DME. Five players, Nina Padgett, Ashley Hughes, Alondra Vincenty, Avery Veirs, and Faith Rudy, stepped up to the plate, driving in eight runs in the third inning.
DME entered the Championship game as the number two seed with an overall record of 5-1. The only thing standing between them and the trophy was the Brevard Heat 14U, and they weren’t going down without a fight.
DME pulled ahead in the second inning as their bats heated up, but it was short-lived as the Heat tied it up in the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with the game tied 3-3, Katlyn Schoeps shut down a scoring opportunity by the Heat and kept the score even. DME fought their way back in the fifth inning, regaining the lead when Padgett stopped a possible game-tying run with an incredible fly-out catch.
This spark ignited a fire when Keylee Gerhardt recorded an RBI, scoring Schoeps who had reached base on an error by the Heat. This was followed by power-hitting thanks to Reese Cianciarulo, Hughes, and Vincenty.
An amazing win made even more incredible by the teamwork each athlete displayed. Cianciarulo led the team from the batter’s box and the mound with 9 hits and a 3-1 record from the rubber.
Cianciarulo kept the Heat’s bats at bay while the rest of the team mounted a solid defense behind her. She allowed only three runs on seven hits, striking out five with zero walks. Cianciarulo was backed by a solid defense, led by Gerhardt who showed off impressive fielding skills.
With a final score of 6-3, DME 14U Sanders Softball team earned the trophy and the title of champion. They played hard until the very last pitch and displayed impressive skill and teamwork.
Congratulations to the DME Academy 14U Sanders Softball team on winning the ISA Championship!
Interested in DME Academy’s softball or baseball program? Check it out here!