DAYTONA, FLA. – DME Academy, a premier institution committed to excellence in sports and education, is thrilled to announce significant leadership changes within its athletic programs, effective immediately.
Todd Eason: Director of Athletics
Todd Eason, previously serving as the Director of Soccer, will now take on the role of Director of Athletics. With his communication skills, in-depth knowledge of DME operations, and unwavering commitment to success, Todd is poised to bring a new level of leadership to our athletic programs.
Thales Peterson: Director of Boys Soccer
Thales Peterson, transitioning from Boys Soccer Head Coach, has made a significant impact since joining DME in the summer of 2023. His leadership has not only elevated the boys’ and girls’ programs on the pitch but has also instilled a culture of excellence and mental resilience. Peterson’s dedication to holistic player development aligns seamlessly with DME Academy’s values.
Kioki Hutchings: Director of Girls Soccer
Kioki Hutchings, previously the Assistant Soccer Coach, will now take on the role of Director of Girls Soccer. Hutchings’ unwavering dedication to the success and development of DME soccer players has set him apart. His positive attitude, coaching style, ability to connect with athletes, and connections to clubs and organizations within the sport make him a valuable asset to DME.
Dan Panaggio, Co-founder of DME Academy, expressed his confidence in the leadership transitions, stating, “We are excited about the future of our sports programs under the guidance of these exceptional leaders. Todd, Thales, and Kioki have already proven their commitment to excellence, and we look forward to witnessing the continued success and development of our athletes under their leadership.”
DME Academy invites the community, stakeholders, and supporters to join in congratulating Todd Eason, Thales Peterson, and Kioki Hutchings on their new roles.
In the scorching heat of Daytona, a teenage sensation named Yan Diomande emerged from the shadows. Diomande has left a mark on every game he’s played across friendlies against top soccer academies, in some of the best collegiate showcase events in the country, and even in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). In just his second year at DME Academy, Diomande’s rise is captivating the soccer world as he stands out from the crowd in all matches played helping the team to two undefeated seasons thus far.
Diomande burst onto the scene, displaying a level of skill and maturity beyond his years. The Ivory Coast U17 Forward became the driving force behind DME Academy’s National High School team, most recently going undefeated and winning the top bracket of the Tampa Bay Super Cup. He was the leading scorer across all teams in the event which featured MLS, and ECNL teams alike. In summer play, he guests for AS Frenzi’s, culminating in a 2-1 triumph over Sporting Wichita in the UPSL championship match. Diomande’s remarkable feat included scoring both goals in the final, solidifying his status as a rising star. Most recently, he was named among the 23 male players that dominated 2023 by Top Drawer Soccer.
What sets Diomande apart is his dominance on the pitch. Cool, calm, and collected he lulls the defense to sleep and then burns them in a flash. He leads the team (and the entire league in goals), consistently finding the back of the net with precision and flair. His exceptional USPL performance was rewarded with the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a testament to his impact on the pitch.
Yan Diomande’s journey to stardom is not only defined by statistics but also by a series of skillful moments that captivated fans across social media. His extraordinary goals, dazzling dribbles, and clever assists quickly went viral on social media, earning him admirers from around the globe. Diomande’s highlight reel became a showcase of raw talent and footballing intelligence, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move and garnishing millions of views.
Off the pitch, he is a student-athlete with exceptional character. He is kind to all teammates, and DME athletes across both Daytona and Sarasota, and an excellent role model for the younger generation. Everyone loves Dio. “ On the field his change of direction is impressive. His vision to find passes is unbelievable and showcases passes that only he can see. Off the field, he is humble, respectful, and acts like an older brother to younger athletes.” Coach Thales, DME Academy
It comes as no surprise that Yan Diomande’s exceptional performances attracted the attention of Major League Soccer (MLS) and European clubs. The teenager has star potential written all over him, and no doubt will land a pro contract with the same humble attitude that he represents daily on campus.
Diomande’s play is a testament to the power of raw talent and determination. He has demonstrated that age is no barrier to success and has dominated every level of play put before him. As he stands on the precipice of a professional career, soccer enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued rise of this remarkable young talent from DME Academy.
Click here to learn more about DME’s elite, highly-developmental boys soccer program.
The recent 2023 DME Soccer Showcase at DME Academy unfolded on December 1st and 2nd, featuring high school boys’ teams like Lakeland United, Combine Academy, and Leg AZ World. College coaches and recruiters, including those from the University of Central Florida, Stetson University, and the University of Dayton, were on the sidelines, evaluating the promising young talents.
Guiding the DME teams both on and off the pitch is Head Coach Thales Peterson, spearheading a coaching staff that emphasizes holistic development.
The tournament provided a platform for players to showcase their skills, with competitive matches displaying teamwork and individual prowess.
In a thrilling showcase of talent and teamwork, the DME Academy boys’ high school soccer team kicked off their home season opener in style on Thursday, September 14th. The stage was set on their pristine new turf field, creating an electrifying atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Facing off against Ormond Beach SC, the DME boys showcased their exceptional skills, dominating the match from the first whistle to the last.
After the match, Head Coach Thales Peterson said, “having played the first-ever home match at our brand new field was such an amazing experience. We had a great crowd, and the students were super encouraging on the sidelines.”
Despite the big win, Coach Peterson maintained his focus on the bigger picture. “The most important thing was the improvement. The staff got to see some of our new players in action, and the team is coming together nicely and bonding well,” he emphasized. It’s this dedication to continuous improvement that has positioned DME Academy as a force to be reckoned with in high school soccer.
But the night was not just about soccer. In addition to their victory, the team came together to celebrate the birthdays of two of their own, Campo and Billo.
Looking ahead, DME Academy has no plans to rest on their laurels. Their next challenge awaits them on Wednesday, September 20th, at 5:15 pm when they face IdeaSport Soccer Academy’s U18 team at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With their recent victory fueling their determination, DME Academy is poised for another exciting chapter in their promising season.
Get up-to-date scores and real-time content by following DME Soccer’s Instagram page.
In the world of soccer, talent knows no boundaries, and it often takes exceptional players to rise above the rest. This year, we are proud to announce that Yan Diomande, a prominent winger on DME Academy’s boys high school soccer team, has been named the STARI Player of the Year. This recognition comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed Diomande’s remarkable journey through the beautiful game.
STARI, an international soccer network that dedicates itself to showcasing the talents of players worldwide, identifies and honors players who exhibit extraordinary skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Yan Diomande’s rise to prominence within this network speaks volumes about his exceptional abilities on the field.
Diomande’s soccer journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Whether donning the jersey for DME Academy or leading AS Frenzi, he has consistently stood out as a standout player. Last year, he spearheaded DME Academy to an undefeated season, leaving opponents in awe of his dazzling footwork and scoring prowess. Diomande continued to shine in the summer months, where he played a pivotal role in AS Frenzi’s historic journey to their first-ever UPSL Championship Title. His performance on the pitch was nothing short of sensational, with crucial goals that propelled his team to victory. It is not just his skills, but his leadership and determination that make him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.
Thales Peterson, Director of Soccer at DME Academy, had glowing praise for the young star. “Dio’s journey at DME Academy has been nothing short of exceptional. His dedication to improving his game day in and day out is truly inspiring. He is not just a gifted athlete but also a team player who understands the importance of collaboration and unity on and off the field. We are incredibly proud of his achievements, and we believe this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career.”
This accolade recognizes not only Diomande’s individual brilliance but also the dedication and hard work of the entire DME Academy coaching staff, who have played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent. It is a testament to the academy’s commitment to producing world-class soccer players and their unwavering belief in the potential of their athletes.
As Diomande continues to shine on the soccer field and make a name for himself on the global stage, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players everywhere. His journey reminds us that with determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence, anyone can rise to the top of the game.
Diomande’s recognition as the STARI Player of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects his exceptional talent, dedication, and outstanding achievements. DME Academy congratulates him and looks forward to witnessing his continued success on and off the field.
Click here to learn about DME’s undefeated boys high school soccer program.
The AS Frenzi soccer team, a dominant force in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), claimed victory in the 2023 UPSL Title through an exhilarating demonstration of skill and teamwork, all made possible by the extraordinary efforts of six standout players from DME Academy. This triumph not only secured the championship for AS Frenzi but also showcased the extraordinary talent that DME Academy continues to nurture within its ranks.
AS Frenzi, a semi-professional boys soccer team hailing from Lake Mary, Florida, has carved its name as a formidable force in the competitive arena of the UPSL. The team’s dedication, training, and unwavering passion for the sport have been evident in every match they’ve played, leading up to their remarkable victory. Competing against the odds and leaving no room for doubt, AS Frenzi secured a spot in next year’s tournament by clinching the UPSL Title.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is the invaluable contribution of six rising stars from DME Academy – Yan Diomande, Ethan Rosenblum, Adrian Biaggi, Charles Christian, Abraham Oshodi, and James Isaac. These young athletes have been honing their skills and pushing their limits at DME Academy, a testament to the academy’s commitment to nurturing the future stars of soccer.
The final showdown took place at the illustrious Segra Field in Loudoun, Virginia, the home ground of the USL Championship team, Loudoun United FC. Facing off against Sporting Wichita, AS Frenzi emerged triumphant with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The game was a thrilling roller coaster of emotions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
A standout performance came from Yan Diomande, the 16-year-old striker from DME Academy, who showcased his prowess by scoring both crucial goals for AS Frenzi. Diomande’s first goal in the 8th minute demonstrated his finesse and precision as he expertly maneuvered past his assigned defender, slotting the ball confidently into the net. This early lead set the tone for the intense battle that followed.
The game, however, took an unexpected twist as Sporting Wichita managed to level the score, resulting in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation time. This turn of events only intensified the drama, making it clear that the teams were willing to leave everything on the pitch for the championship.
In the 115th minute, when the stakes were at their highest, Yan Diomande once again seized the moment. In the closing moments of the match, Diomande exhibited remarkable precision and composure, elegantly curling the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. This pivotal goal not only propelled him to the summit of the Golden Boot race but also held greater significance by securing AS Frenzi’s historic first UPSL national championship.
The victory not only reflects the dedication of AS Frenzi and its players but also highlights the effectiveness of DME Academy’s training and development programs. The academy’s commitment to fostering talent and instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and excellence has once again borne fruit, creating a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of soccer enthusiasts.
As the celebrations continue, DME Academy takes immense pride in the achievements of its players and the pivotal role they played in AS Frenzi’s momentous victory. With this triumph, both AS Frenzi and DME Academy have set a high bar for themselves, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the world of soccer.
To learn more about becoming a part of DME’s elite soccer program, click here.
AS Frenzi, the semi-professional soccer team out of Lake Mary, Florida, is making history as the first-ever Florida team to punch their ticket to the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) National Finals.
Six DME Academy boys soccer players are members of the elite squad, and have been leading their team to victory all season. Ethan Rosenblum, Adrian Biaggi, Charles Christian, Yan Diomande, James Isaac, and Abraham Oshodi are key contributors to the team’s success, with four of the six athletes starting for AS Frenzi. They are heading into the semi-finals with a 9-1-1 record, and Christian and Oshodi leading the charge as the team’s top scorers with 10 goals a piece.
AS Frenzi officially punched their ticket to the finals weekend with their 7-1 quarter-finals win over Tennessee Tempo on July 22. Diomande led the squad with 2 goals, while Isaac netted another. Diomonde’s goal to put his team up 4-0, his ninth of the season, was nothing short of entertaining.
The UPSL National Finals are set to take place from August 4-6 at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, home to Loudoun United FC. AS Frenzi will take on Chicago Nation FC in Friday’s semi-finals, while Sporting Wichita SC will match up against CD Delfines De Abasolo shortly after. The winners of each match will then battle it out on that Sunday, where one team will be crowned the 2023 UPSL Champions.
Fans can tune in to AS Frenzi’s semi-finals match-up on Friday, August 4 at 5:30 pm EST by watching the livestream here.
To learn more about DME Academy’s elite boys soccer program, click here.