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!
The DME Academy 12U baseball team was on tour last weekend. The Florida baseball team packed their bags and headed up to Cooperstown Dreams Park for the annual baseball tournament. Known as “America’s Baseball Summer Camp”, this tournament honors traditional values of faith, and baseball and hosts teams from all over the country.
Since the tournament’s origin, 25 years ago, Cooperstown Dreams Park has become a place for families to vacation while playing real, competitive baseball. The tournament also hosts a home run derby for young athletes.
DME Academy’s 12U baseball team was one of the fortunate teams to be invited to the tournament and played 6 games. They ended the tournament with a winning record of four wins and two losses.
During the first game on Saturday, DME Academy put up seven runs in the fourth inning and five home runs, which helped the team to victory over the Oregon Park Rangers. The final score was 16-4 in favor of DME Academy.
Sunday, DME Academy was up against the Denver Royals Baseball Club. DME put up seven runs in the third inning. Zach Killian, who is also on DME Academy’s Middle school team, proved to be a big bat for DME, sending a ball over the fence for a home run in the first inning. Overall, DME had 8 home runs on the day and won 17-8.
DME Academy baseball claimed a 13-9 victory in the second game of Sunday against Bucs Baseball Club. Both offenses were strong at the plate as DME Academy National 12U collected 15 hits and Bucs Baseball Club recorded 11 in the high-scoring affair. DME scored three home runs on the day to secure the win.
DME snatched the lead late in the game in a victory over Willoughby Wildcats Reynolds 12U on Monday to round out their win streak. The game was tied at four with DME Academy National 12U batting in the top of the fifth when Sebastian V homered on a 3-1 count, scoring two runs. DME launched five home runs on the day. The home run tally with Zach in the fourth, Sebastian in the fifth, Liam in the sixth and Justin pulling double duty in both the first and the fifth innings. The final score of the game was 9-4 in favor of DME.
The remainder of the tournament did not yield any more wins for DME, as they fell to the Texas Mizuno Autry 15-3 and also succumbed to the Next Level Prospects in a hard-fought loss 24-20. Overall, the tournament was a success and DME Academy’s baseball team had a ton of fun and learned a lot about the tradition of baseball at Cooperstown Dreams Park.
Interested in our DME’s growing baseball academy? Check it out here!
Staying active is a crucial part of any baseball player’s off-season. Despite high school seasons coming to an end, athletes in Florida are fortunate enough to be able to train year-round at DME Academy! Here are the main things you should keep in mind during your summer baseball training from our Director of Baseball, Michael Main!
Strength and conditioning: Baseball student-athletes need to maintain their strength and conditioning during the summer. This can include a combination of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and cardiovascular activities. Emphasize exercises that target key muscle groups used in baseball, such as your core, legs, and upper body.
Skill development: At DME, we encourage our student-athletes to continue practicing their baseball skills during the summer. This includes hitting, throwing, fielding, and base-running drills. DME encourages our baseball players to practice with their teammates to boost competition and chemistry.
Flexibility and mobility: We can’t stress this enough, you NEED to stay flexible. We love seeing our athletes incorporating activities such as stretching, yoga, and mobility exercises into their routines. Flexibility and mobility can help prevent injuries, improve performance and enhance overall athleticism on the baseball diamond.
We understand many of you are in a hurry to strengthen your skills. But rest and recovery days are just as important as training days. Prioritizing rest lets your body recover to prevent burnout. With rest and recovery also comes proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep (NO ALL-NIGHT VIDEO GAME SESSIONS!).
Interested in training properly this upcoming Summer? Check out our upcoming Summer Prep camp!
Here is a sample baseball summer training plan written by DME Academy’s Director of Baseball, Michael Main for student-athletes. This program incorporates strength and conditioning, skill development, flexibility and mobility:
Strength and Conditioning (3-4 times per week):
Warm-up: Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up, including exercises such as jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and lunges.
Resistance Training: Include exercises that target major muscle groups used in baseball, such as squats, lunges, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, and rows. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise, progressively increasing weight as appropriate.
Core Training: Incorporate core exercises such as planks, Russian twists, medicine ball throws, and stability ball exercises. Aim for 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps or holds.
Plyometrics: Include explosive exercises like box jumps, medicine ball slams, and lateral bounds to improve power and athleticism. Perform 2-3 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise.
Skill Development (3-4 times per week):
Hitting: Practice various hitting drills, including tee work, soft toss and live batting practice. Focus on technique, bat speed, and pitch recognition.
Throwing: Work on throwing mechanics, accuracy, and arm strength. Incorporate long toss drills, throwing against a wall, and partner drills.
Fielding: Practice fielding ground balls, pop-ups and working on footwork. Incorporate different fielding scenarios and positions to develop versatility.
Base-running: Work on speed, agility and base-running techniques. Include drills like sprint intervals, cone drills and baserunning simulations.
Flexibility and Mobility (3-4 times per week):
Dynamic Stretching: Perform dynamic stretching exercises such as leg swings, arm circles and hip rotations before each training session.
Static Stretching: Incorporate static stretches for major muscle groups after each workout or training session. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
Yoga or Pilates: Encourage participation in yoga or Pilates classes to improve flexibility, balance and body awareness.
Foam Rolling: Teach athletes to use foam rollers to self-massage and release tight muscles, enhancing recovery and flexibility.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for prospective student-athletes and their families to come and learn about the academy’s programs, facilities, and teaching philosophies. Attendees will meet with coaches and staff, tour the campus, and see the state-of-the-art training facilities firsthand. DME Academy Baseball is committed to providing the best possible training and education for its students, and the open house is a perfect opportunity to see how they achieve that goal.
“We are all so excited to host families who are interested in boosting their student-athlete’s skillset on and off the diamond,” says Maria Burgos, Head of School at DME Academy. “This is an amazing opportunity to stop by and ask questions if you have been curious about DME Academy’s schooling model.”
At the open house event, attendees will have the chance to learn about the academy’s comprehensive training programs, including pitching, hitting, fielding, and strength and conditioning. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the academic program, which offers individualized instruction and support for student-athletes trying to chase their dreams.
The DME Academy Baseball open house event on May 8 at 7 P.M. is a fantastic opportunity for any student-athlete interested in pursuing a career in baseball. Attendees will be able to see firsthand what sets DME Academy Baseball apart from other training institutions, how we help with college recruitment/exposure, and how they can help students reach their full potential.
Anyone who is interested in attending should RSVP as soon as possible to secure their spot and ensure that they don’t miss out on this exciting event. You can RSVP HERE!
DME Academy’s middle school baseball team remains undefeated on the season after an impressive 10-0 win over St. Barnabas on Wednesday evening. All four of DME’s pitchers were stone-cold on the mound throwing absolute cannons, and the quartet joined up for a combined no-hitter.
DME struck fast in the first inning with an impressive two-RBI by Jason Bruce to allow two others to score. After the first inning, DME was up 4 over their opponents. Jason Bruce was the star of the game as he got the start on the mound and guided DME to the win. He went two and two-thirds innings, allowing zero runs on zero hits while striking out 5 of St. Barnabas’ sluggers. Logan Wingard, Chase Cook, and Wrigley Zweifel worked in relief out of the bullpen, and none allowed a single hit in the historic combined no-hit effort.
After an action-packed game, it was Logan Wingard who put the nail in the coffin, catching an easy pop fly-out to end the game. The game ended with DME’s middle school team embracing each other and cheering on their victory.
“Every game, this young team continues to get better and better,” said Michael Main, Director of Baseball at DME Academy. “I love watching the camaraderie and skill sets of these guys enhance each day.”
Interested in playing baseball at a higher level? DME is currently looking for high school-aged athletes for the 2023-2024 season. RSVP to our Open House on May 8th at 7:00 PM here!
DME Academy is set to host an intense sleepaway baseball Summer Prep camp July 16th-29th, providing players with the perfect opportunity to improve their skills and take their game to the next level. The camp will run for several weeks and is aimed at serious players looking to hone their skills during the off-season.
DME Academy is renowned for its high-quality training programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and this camp will be no different. The camp will feature top-level coaches and trainers who will work with players to improve their hitting, pitching, fielding, and overall game strategy. In addition to the technical training, players will also benefit from strength and conditioning sessions led by Alex Richard, DME Academy’s licensed personal trainer, to help them build the physical stamina required for peak performance on the field.
One of the standout features of the DME Academy Summer Prep camp is the emphasis on personalized instruction. Coaches will work with players individually to identify areas for improvement, and tailor their training to address specific weaknesses. This personalized approach ensures that each player receives the attention they need to reach their full potential.
The camp is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, and is designed to challenge players to push beyond their limits. In addition to the rigorous training, players also will also compete in live games and scrimmages.
DME Academy Summer Prep camp is an excellent opportunity for baseball players to elevate their skills, and take their game to the next level. With top-level coaching, personalized instruction, and a focus on developing both technical skills and physical stamina, players can expect to see significant improvements in their game.
If you’re serious about baseball and want to take your skills to the next level, be sure to sign up for the DME Academy Summer Prep camp in July.
DME Academy Middle School weathered an early storm by beating St. Barnabas on Wednesday, turning a four-run deficit into a 12-4 victory. St Barnabas’s big inning was driven with a triple by Andrew Reyes and a double by Alex Shaw.
DME’s Chase Cook hit a single that gave his other teammates the opportunity to score two RBIs. DME then added to their lead with five runs in the fifth inning. Liam Callahan, Jackson Lowitz, Brandon Brien, and Kobe Amadeo each powered the big inning with RBI in a relentless show of force by the young hitters.
Hunter Mottola earned the victory on the pitcher’s mound for DME Academy Middle School. Motolla lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit and zero runs with five strikeouts and one walk. Wrigley Zweifel threw two-thirds of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.
“We came out and scored big with some quality at-bats from Cook and Panetta in the first inning. We continued to have good at-bats through the rest of the game and took advantage of the opportunities the other team gave us.” Said Michael Main, Director of Baseball at DME. “There are always things to improve on but overall I am happy with the team performance and start to the season.”
Hunter Mottola, Jackson Lowitz, Anthony Panetta, Jason Bruce, Chase Cook, and Logan Wingard each collected one hit to lead DME Middle School to victory! DME is now 4-0 on the season and looks to remain undefeated.
Interested in learning how to throw like Mottola? Train with us this summer at our Baseball Summer Prep Camp!
DME Academy’s 11U baseball team ran the 2023 “United in Strength” Deland ME STRONG 5k this past weekend. In its 11th year, this race continues to raise both awareness and funds for families in the Central Florida area that have been affected by cancer.
The 5k run was a great way for the young DME baseball team to come together and show their support for a worthy cause. Also, this event allowed our athletes to showcase their athleticism and determination while demonstrating the importance of teamwork and making a positive impact in their local community. The event was not only a fun and challenging experience for the team, but it also inspired others to get involved and support the cause.
Demonstrating their hard work, dedication, and teamwork, the team embodied what it means to be a role model in their community. This is an event that will be remembered for years to come, and it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps and make a positive impact in their own ways.
Congratulations to Coach Michael Main and #11 Brandon Warrel for finishing on the podium!
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!