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
DME Academy's volleyball program is led by directors Alvaro Sanchez, Craig Lenniger, and Dawn Moses, bringing decades of professional and collegiate experience. Our staff is committed to developing dynamic, well-rounded players through:
DME Academy's Volleyball Weekly Camps offer intensive training for girls ages 10-18. Each session combines indoor and beach court work, position-specific development, and competitive play across DME's 7 indoor courts and 4 beach courts under the guidance of a nationally ranked coaching staff.
Our alumni compete at the highest levels of the sport. With over 120 athletes advancing to top NCAA programs, DME volleyball 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.
Train on 7 indoor courts and 4 beach courts with coaching staff that has decades of professional and collegiate experience.
COMPETE AT THE TOP LEVEL
Build composure and confidence through live scrimmages and match situations designed to prepare you for high-pressure competition.
Develop volleyball-specific speed, agility, balance, and core strength through professional conditioning programs led by performance coach Alex Richard.
MINDSET & GAME IQ
Sharpen your court awareness, decision-making, and mental resilience through video analysis and strategic coaching sessions.
DME Academy provides volleyball athletes with a training environment that rivals top collegiate programs. Our campus features 7 indoor courts, 4 beach courts, two weight rooms, a spa and recovery facility supported by Halifax Health, and an audio/visual center for game film analysis and strategic breakdown. DME gives every athlete the resources to elevate their game to the next level.
*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
BOSTON, Mass. – The DME 18-1 Elite Club Volleyball Team delivered a standout performance this weekend in Boston, earning a National Championship bid at the prestigious Nike Boston National Qualifier.
Competing against top club programs from across the country, the team showcased resilience, teamwork, and high-level play throughout the tournament to secure its qualification for nationals.
The roster represents a powerful blend of talent, featuring seven DME Academy volleyball student-athletes alongside five standout local players, demonstrating the strength of the DME volleyball pipeline and its connection to the surrounding volleyball community.
“Our goal this weekend was to qualify, but in order to do that, our focus was to play steady and stay in the moment,” said head coach Heidi Gors. “It was about this match, this set, this point. We had to believe we were capable of playing great volleyball. And why not win this point, this set, and this match? Why not have it be us that earned a bid?”
The qualification continues to highlight the growth of DME Volleyball as a destination for serious athletes looking to compete at a national level while developing both on and off the court.
With nationals now on the horizon, the DME 18-1 team will look to build on the momentum from Boston as they prepare to compete against the best club volleyball teams in the country.
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 Volleyball continues to gain national momentum, as two student-athletes were recognized in the latest rankings released by Prep Dig.
Keri Petro, a member of the Class of 2027 and DME’s National squad, cracked the Top 50 nationally, earning a No. 41 ranking. Petro’s rise reflects her consistent development and impact across both club and academy competition.
Also earning national recognition was club star Taylor Fonseca, a Class of 2026 club standout, who was ranked No. 52 in the latest update.
Prep Dig evaluates athletes across both club and high school volleyball, serving as one of the most comprehensive scouting and analysis platforms in the sport. Its rankings and evaluations are widely followed by college coaches nationwide, making these honors especially meaningful within the recruiting landscape.
The latest rankings further reinforce DME Academy’s position as a premier environment for volleyball development, offering athletes the training, competition, and exposure needed to compete at the next level.
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 is proud to congratulate Juanita Hernandez on earning a bronze medal with the Colombian National Team at the 2025 Bolivarian Games, marking a significant milestone in her volleyball career and an inspiring achievement on the international stage.
Hernandez, a standout for DME Academy and one of the top rising talents in the program, represented Colombia with exceptional poise, and her contribution helped secure Colombia’s place on the podium at one of South America’s most culturally significant sporting events.
The Bolivarian Games are a historic and prestigious multi-sport event honoring Simón Bolívar, known as El Libertador, the revolutionary hero who led the fight for independence across much of Latin America. The Games feature athletes from the six nations liberated or born from Bolívar’s movements — Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia — and serve as a celebration of athletic excellence and cultural unity.
Hernandez’s success represents not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the world-class training environment at DME Academy, where student-athletes are supported in pursuing opportunities at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
DME Academy extends its warmest congratulations to Juanita Hernandez and looks forward to her continued accomplishments on the court and beyond.
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. – As the DME Academy Girls Indoor Volleyball team approaches the midway point of the 2025 season, the team sets its sights on a challenging remaining schedule, but is armed with the confidence and early-season growth to face it head-on.
Led by Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez, the team has worked to blend together athletes from diverse backgrounds. With players hailing from a variety of countries and training systems, the season began with the task of building a single, unified style of play. “The girls are working to get better every day,” said Coach Sanchez. “While we have talented individuals, it was a challenge to get them all to play one way as they’re all coming from different countries, different training styles, and schools of thought.”
Despite those early challenges, DME has shown grit and determination, competing against top-tier talent, including several All-Americans. The team has logged countless miles traveling across Florida and beyond, taking on one of the toughest schedules in the region. With a record just above .500, Sanchez remains focused on the big picture but sees the potential in his squad to finish the season on a high note.
Recognizing Leadership and Player Development
This year’s progress has been fueled by the steady leadership of team captains Juanita Hernandez and Mariana Castaño, as well as libero Keri Petro, who operates as an extra coach on the court for the team. Giovana Menegazzo and Carley Kenefick will be crucial in the late-season push as both athletes have significantly elevated their play throughout the season.
“These athletes represent what DME is all about — discipline, teamwork, and a relentless competitive spirit,” Sanchez said.
Looking Ahead
With nine matches left in the regular season, the team is determined to finish strong. Highlights ahead include the Senior Night/Pink Game against New Smyrna Beach, a meaningful matchup for Sanchez against his former program.
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, FL. DME Academy’s volleyball program took another step forward this past weekend, traveling to Puerto Rico for a competitive tournament that delivered both strong opponents and valuable development opportunities.
“Our courts always had a crowd in front of them,” said Head Coach Alvaro Sanchez. “We were able to introduce DME to new faces and make an immediate impression.”
DME opened the weekend with a statement win over the top-ranked team in Puerto Rico. Every match went to a tie-breaker set, highlighting the tournament’s overall competitiveness and the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure. DME closed out the weekend by securing first place in the Silver Division.
“We’re still early in our process,” Sanchez said. “There’s a lot of work to do from a development standpoint, but this weekend accelerated that work. We got better.”
The trip was also an opportunity to strengthen our presence in a new region. The team faced off against top-level talent and competed with discipline and purpose. From warmups to walk-throughs, DME’s identity as a development-first program was on display.
“Every match was a battle,” Sanchez said. “But even more important was the way we carried ourselves throughout the weekend, on the court, in the gym, and around the community.”
The group found the right balance between competition and team time, with opportunities to enjoy local food, explore Old San Juan, and stay on track academically through structured study hall sessions. The trip reinforced DME’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and growth in every area.
Juanita stood out for her leadership and consistency, setting the tone for how the group trained, studied, and stayed locked in throughout the weekend.
Despite facing adversity, the group stayed composed. They adjusted in real time, supported one another, and showed signs of what’s possible when the foundation is built the right way.
“We have a special group,” said Sanchez. “They’re still learning how I want them to play. But they’re bought in — and we’re building something strong.”
DME Academy’s volleyball program is built for serious athletes who want to train at a high level, compete nationally and internationally, and grow on and off the court. With experienced coaches, a proven development model, and access to elite facilities, this is where potential turns into performance.
Explore the DME Volleyball Program or Schedule a Campus Tour
DME Academy’s elite Volleyball coaching staff brings years of professional, collegiate and youth experience.
DME’s Volleyball coaches offer personalized feedback, support, and a passion for the game, creating an environment where players grow and have fun.
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.
MENTAL TOUGHNESS & GAME IQ
Develop the mindset of a champion. Gain focus, confidence, and discipline to thrive under pressure.
At DME Academy, we don’t just develop players – we shape champions. Our world-class soccer facilities and expert coaching, with experience at the professional and college levels, are designed to elevate your game. Whether you’re perfecting your footwork or refining your tactical skills, you’ll train alongside driven athletes from around 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!
DME prides itself in providing our student-athletes the tools to be successful and reach their full potential. Our elite training facilities include indoor and outdoor batting and pitching cages, performance center, recovery facility, and full access to pristine local baseball diamonds, DME is sure to provide you the resources to take your game to an elite level.
Boarding campers will feel right at home in our 18,000 square foot, 80-bed dormitory, which hosts a fully equipped commercial kitchen, large cafeteria, onsite laundry facility, conference room, learning center, outdoor court, two student lounges, and more.
DME Academy’s elite Volleyball coaching staff brings years of professional, collegiate and youth experience.
DME’s Volleyball coaches offer personalized feedback, support, and a passion for the game, creating an environment where players grow and have fun.
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.
MENTAL TOUGHNESS & GAME IQ
Develop the mindset of a champion. Gain focus, confidence, and discipline to thrive under pressure.
At DME Academy, we don’t just develop players – we shape champions. Our world-class soccer facilities and expert coaching, with experience at the professional and college levels, are designed to elevate your game. Whether you’re perfecting your footwork or refining your tactical skills, you’ll train alongside driven athletes from around 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!
DME prides itself in providing our student-athletes the tools to be successful and reach their full potential. Our elite training facilities include indoor and outdoor batting and pitching cages, performance center, recovery facility, and full access to pristine local baseball diamonds, DME is sure to provide you the resources to take your game to an elite level.
Boarding campers will feel right at home in our 18,000 square foot, 80-bed dormitory, which hosts a fully equipped commercial kitchen, large cafeteria, onsite laundry facility, conference room, learning center, outdoor court, two student lounges, and more.
