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. Here are three compelling reasons to choose DME Academy’s Summer Camps as the ultimate gift for kids.

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. Due to its high demand, we recommend securing your spot early for this elite camp experience as it completely sold out last summer.

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. Whether you’re into indoor or beach volleyball, this camp will provide the tools and experience you need to excel.

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!

In a historic moment for DME Academy, the high school volleyball team played their very first match in program history, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. The team traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to compete in the River City Classic tournament from September 15-16, where they finished 2nd overall.

The team’s debut performance at the River City Classic was nothing short of spectacular. Comprised of 11 exceptionally talented young women hailing from diverse corners of the globe, this newly formed squad exceeded all expectations by securing a resounding victory in their very first match. This triumph not only set the tone for the tournament but also marked the beginning of a promising future.

Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated their resilience and indomitable spirit, competing in a total of four matches. Notable victories included a commanding 2-0 win against University Christian High School and a thrilling 2-1 triumph over Dixie High School in the semi-finals. The latter victory was particularly remarkable as it was against the top team from the other pool, showcasing the team’s remarkable teamwork and unwavering tenacity. Although they faced a challenging defeat in a closely fought final match against Suwanee High School, the girls displayed unwavering determination throughout the tournament.

Ainhoa Garcia Sanchez, a 5’5″ outside hitter from Madrid, Spain, and Gabriela Carvalho, a 6’0″ opposite hitter from Ituiutaba, Brazil, were honored for their outstanding performances and were named to the all-aournament team.

Craig Lenniger, DME Academy’s Director of Volleyball, expressed his immense pride in the team’s achievements, saying, “I am incredibly proud of these young women and how hard they played this weekend. While they made mistakes young teams make, they never hung their heads and they never quit. They kept fighting and scrapping for every point until the very end. I am looking forward to continuing to work with this group of athletes as they continue to grow and improve as both individual athletes and as a team.”

DME volleyball’s impressive debut has set the stage for a program poised to become a dominant force in the realm of high school volleyball. With the Pink Blast Girls Volleyball Tournament at DME Academy scheduled for October 6-7, the team is eager to build upon their success and continue their journey of growth and excellence.

To learn more about DME’s elite volleyball program, click here.

DME Academy is thrilled to announce its action-packed Fall Beach Volleyball events taking place at its state-of-the-art facilities in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida. Led by the passionate and experienced Director of DME Beach Volleyball, Craig Lenniger, these events promise a thrilling blend of skill development, friendly competition, and pure fun in the sand.

Fall Beach Volleyball Club Program 

This comprehensive program, running from September 6 to November 19, caters to athletes aspiring to play Beach Volleyball at the high school or college level. Held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8 PM, and Sundays from 1-3 PM, this program offers intensive training sessions designed to enhance the skills of players. Athletes with a solid volleyball foundation will have the opportunity to participate in regional tournaments and attend college beach showcases, boosting their chances of catching the eye of college coaches.

Friday Night Lights 

For the 12-16 year old enthusiasts, the Friday Night Lights program offers an opportunity to keep their skills sharp while having a blast. Taking place every Friday evening from 6-7:30 PM from September 8 to October 27, this program combines quick beach volleyball development with plenty of gameplay. It’s the ideal choice for those not yet ready for the Club Program but still eager to hone their skills and enjoy some competitive action.

Friday Night Open Play

DME Academy invites everyone to join the Friday Night Open Play sessions from September 8 to November 17, every Friday night from 7:30-9 PM. This free-play event allows enthusiasts of all skill levels to have a great time on the pristine sand courts. With the guidance of Coach Craig and other experienced beach coaches, participants can work on their skills or simply enjoy some friendly matches with friends and fellow beach volleyball enthusiasts.

High School Doubles League

Sundays just got even more exciting with the High School Doubles League, running from September 10 to November 19. Athletes are encouraged to sign up as a team, with whom they will compete in two matches each week. The last two weeks are dedicated to thrilling playoffs, where every team gets a chance to showcase their skills in a relaxed, coaching-free environment. It’s the perfect way to keep the sand between your toes during the traditional indoor high school season.

Adult Co-Ed Doubles League

Adults aren’t left out either! The Adult Co-Ed Doubles League, taking place on Sundays at 4 PM from September 10 to November 19, offers a fantastic opportunity for friends and couples to team up and compete. Teams will participate in two matches each week, with playoffs set for the final two weeks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, this league promises camaraderie and competitive fun.

“At DME Academy, we’re excited to continue to grow beach volleyball in Daytona Beach this fall. The sand courts at DME are waiting for you, so come join us for a season filled with skill development, teamwork, and a lot of fun playing beach volleyball,” said Lenniger. Whether you’re a rising star or a recreational player, DME Academy’s Fall Beach Volleyball events have something for everyone. 

To learn more or register, click here.

The halls of DME Academy reverberated with the sounds of dribbling basketballs and the echoes of enthusiastic cheers as the renowned institution recently concluded another highly successful Summer Prep camp season. With a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to nurturing aspiring athletes, DME Academy once again demonstrated its prowess in providing top-tier training and development opportunities for young athletes.

The Basketball Summer Prep camp, which took place from July 7 to 31, drew significant attention and anticipation as it quickly sold out, underscoring the eagerness of young basketball enthusiasts to elevate their game. Boys and girls aged 14 to 19 converged at DME Academy to participate in the intensive 25-day program. Designed to cater to serious basketball athletes seeking to advance to the next level, the camp provided a comprehensive platform for skill enhancement and game readiness.

Guided by DME’s seasoned coaches, each possessing a wealth of college and/or professional experience, the athletes were fully engaged in an immersive and transformational training program. DME Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies complemented the training sessions, providing a dynamic environment for growth and improvement.

The basketball camp’s itinerary was meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive experience. The athletes engaged in two on-court practices per day, accompanied by four strength and conditioning workouts per week to optimize their physical capabilities. Beach workouts added an extra layer of intensity to the program, enhancing endurance and strength. The inclusion of three Florida AAU events and approximately 15 games ensured that the athletes received exposure to high levels of competition. When they weren’t training, the DME campers enjoyed their down time visiting college campuses, taking group trips to the movies and mall, and catching a Daytona Tortugas baseball game.

Recognizing the importance of keeping families engaged in their athletes’ journey, DME Academy employed an array of tools to ensure parents remained well-informed and connected. Live-streamed home games brought the thrill of competition to parents’ screens, regardless of their geographical location, allowing them to witness the progress and dedication of their young athletes. Professionally recorded games, conveniently accessible through platforms like Hudl and Youtube, not only provided a chance for parents to review their children’s performances but also reinforced DME Academy’s commitment to transparency and quality. Furthermore, a dedicated WhatsApp group was established, facilitating the seamless sharing of daily updates, photos, and videos, enabling parents to experience the daily activities and progress of their athletes firsthand. This holistic approach to communication solidified the sense of community and collaboration between DME Academy, athletes, and their families, fostering an environment of trust and shared achievement.

The appeal of DME Academy’s Summer Prep camp transcended geographical boundaries. Campers flocked to the academy from near and far, underscoring the program’s reputation internationally. DME Academy proudly hosted groups from across the world, including Qatar and Switzerland. 

Derrick Lang, the executive director of DLANG Training, brought over 35 players from Switzerland. Lang’s involvement highlighted the global recognition of DME Academy’s training expertise. Additionally, BE Basketball, a premier basketball program in Qatar and a valued partner of DME Academy, sent two athletes from Doha, Qatar, to benefit from the comprehensive training at the camp.

Reflecting on the remarkable success of the Summer Prep camp season, Matt Panaggio, Director of Basketball at DME Academy, shared, “Our goal is to create an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the court. The Summer Prep camps embody our commitment to fostering growth, and it’s truly inspiring to witness the transformation of these young athletes over the course of the program.”

Beyond the basketball court, DME Academy’s dedication to comprehensive athlete development extended across sports. Baseball, Soccer, and Volleyball also stepped into the spotlight, hosting Summer Prep camps in July. The four camps welcomed over 150 athletes to DME’s campus, creating a melting pot of athletic talent and camaraderie.

The Summer Prep camps, while rooted in the pursuit of athletic excellence, evolved into much more than mere training sessions. They transformed into vibrant celebrations of sport, dedication, and the power of teamwork. As the athletes bid adieu to their summer training grounds, they carried with them not only enhanced skills but also a profound sense of belonging to a community united by their love for the game and their determination to be the best versions of themselves.

To be the first to know about DME’s Summer Prep camps in 2024, fill out the camp form here!

Laura Stegall, DME Academy’s hardworking and selfless Athletic Director, will be leaving Daytona, and her DME family could not let her go without thanking her for all that she’s done for our student-athletes, staff, and academy. 

Stegall joined DME Academy in 2021, after launching the women’s volleyball program at Daytona State College and coaching the Falcons for seven years. During her time at DSC, she produced six nationally-ranked teams and was named AVCA Southeast Region 2 Year College Coach of the Year in 2019. Stegall mentored her student-athletes on and off the court, averaging a 3.5 or above program GPA each year and boasting a near perfect graduation rate during her coaching career. 

At DME Academy, Stegall continued to lead her student-athletes to success by being a mentor, guide, and ‘second mother’ to most, especially DME’s volleyball players. She has helped to develop well-rounded student-athletes, and has improved their performance in the classroom, on the court, and in life. Stegall’s leadership has been instrumental in setting a standard of excellence at the academy that has been embraced by DME’s student-athletes, staff, and families alike. 

Dan Panaggio, Owner and Co-Founder of DME Academy, stated, “Laura Stegall has been a huge part of the growth of DME Academy. She was a selfless and tireless worker that had the respect of everyone. She is leaving quite a hole in the heart and soul of our school. We will miss her kindness and friendship.”

To hear more about the impact Laura Stegall has had on the DME community, watch the video below:

DME Academy wishes Laura and the entire Stegall family good luck on their next adventure in life, and looks forward to seeing them find continued success. The Stegall’s will truly be missed, but will forever be a part of the great DME Academy Family. 

The DME Academy indoor club volleyball program will be holding tryouts on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

DME Academy’s indoor club volleyball program has announced they will be holding tryouts on Sunday, July 30, 2023 for their 13U-18U teams. The evaluations will take place at DME’s five-star facilities, which includes seven indoor courts.

The elite volleyball club has teams for girls aged 8-18 and focuses on developing athletes of various skill levels, and exposing them to the highest levels of competition across the country. The teams, although schedules may vary, will begin practices in November about two to three times per week and compete in local and/or national tournaments from December through May.

DME Academy’s competitive indoor club volleyball program has a short but rich history in winning, thanks to the unique combination of top tier coaches, world-class facilities, and dedicated athletes. During this past season, both the 14-1 Elite and 15-1 Elite earned spots at the 2023 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship, an impressive accomplishment and representation of the work and commitment that DME athletes dedicate to their sport.

Athletes who are interested in being a part of a competitive and elite indoor club volleyball program like DME’s should consider showcasing their talents at the upcoming tryouts. All information, including tryout schedule, required paperwork, and a link to register, can be found here.