Gigi Battle Leads DME Girls National Team to Top 15 Ranking
The DME Academy Girls National Team has broken into the ESPN High School Girls Top 25 Power Rankings at #15, marking a strong start to the season. With standout performances from Gigi Battle, the team showcased their talent both in Miami and during this past weekend’s Grind Session at home.
In their opening game, DME secured a decisive 30+ point victory over Bond Academy, an international opponent from Canada. Chikae Desdunes led the charge with a standout performance, earning Player of the Game honors. She contributed across the board with 18 points, 5 steals, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 18 minutes of play, setting the tone for a dominant start to the weekend.
The weekend concluded with a highly competitive matchup against a strong Academy team from Orlando. After a close first half, Gigi Battle stepped up to take control, delivering a game-high 37 points and leading DME to a 68-52 victory. Her offensive explosion in the second half was the difference-maker, securing a perfect weekend for the team.
During Grind Session play at DME Academy from Nov. 22–24, the Girls National Team kept their momentum alive with three hard-fought wins. Gigi Battle was the standout performer once again, averaging an impressive 19.3 points per game across the weekend.
In the final matchup against Royal Crown, Gigi Battle delivered a game-winning layup in the closing seconds to secure the lead and cement an undefeated weekend for DME. Her consistent excellence earned her Player of the Game honors for all three games, showcasing her leadership and clutch play on the court.
The Girls National Team has started the season on fire, led by Gigi Battle’s stellar performances. Are you ready to elevate your game? Learn more about how DME Academy develops top talent on and off the court. Click here to get on our radar.
Three of DME Academy’s standout female basketball players—Chikae Desdunes, Tessa Gladieux, and Gigi Battle—along with their chaperone, Bria Brown, have been selected to attend the Embry-Riddle Hoops & Heels Luncheon, presented by Brown & Brown.
This exclusive event not only connects them with influential female leaders but also provides a unique platform to engage with community mentors who champion the success of women, particularly in sports.
The significance of attending this luncheon goes beyond the immediate networking opportunities. It plays a critical role in their holistic development as female student-athletes, exposing them to real-world leadership and professional environments that are vital in shaping their futures.
As these players navigate both academic and athletic responsibilities, experiences like this help broaden their perspective, offering insights into career possibilities and personal growth beyond basketball. Building relationships with women who have achieved success in various fields is invaluable in instilling confidence, resilience, and a broader sense of purpose.
For these student-athletes, it’s an opportunity to see the far-reaching impact of their efforts, reinforcing the importance of perseverance, education, and community involvement. Such experiences are essential to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in life, both on and off the court.
This experience is a testament to the importance of supporting well-rounded growth for our student-athletes, preparing them not only to excel in sports but to thrive as empowered young women in the world.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our basketball program and how we empower student-athletes to excel both on and off the court click here.
Tabitha Betson, a former standout at DME Academy, officially begins her collegiate basketball career with the Colorado Buffaloes. Recently, she made an immediate impact by earning the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year honor. This prestigious title, voted on by conference coaches, reflects her talent as she transitions to the next level.
Standing at 6’2”, Betson hails from Melbourne, Australia. She was a highly sought-after recruit and received over 30 Division I offers from top programs. Ultimately, she chose Colorado, where she now plays a crucial role on the Buffaloes’ roster.
At DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, Betson distinguished herself not only for her athletic skills but also for her leadership. As a McDonald’s All-American nominee, her drive and work ethic prepared her well for collegiate basketball.
In preseason training with the Colorado Buffaloes, Betson has quickly proven herself. As she moves from high school to college, her dedication and focus continue to shine. Coaches and teammates have recognized her hard work, which is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success this season.
As the season approaches, Betson’s role on the Buffaloes signals great things for the program. She is set to be a key contributor as Colorado aims for success in the Big 12 Conference. The Buffaloes will play their first exhibition game on October 27 against Colorado Mines, followed by the season opener against Northern Colorado on November 7.
If you want to join DME Academy’s nationally ranked girls’ basketball program and learn from the elite coaching staff that shaped players like Tabitha Betson, click here to explore our program and see how you can be part of our winning tradition. For more information on the Colorado Buffaloes, visit their official athletics site.
At DME Academy, we are proud to be the home of some of the most talented and driven young athletes in the country. Two standouts from the Class of 2026, AJ Williams and Gigi Battle, have already made waves in the world of high school basketball and are on track for incredible futures.
Hailing from Elmwood Park, New Jersey, AJ Williams is a 4-star athlete whose talent has already earned him offers from prestigious programs like Creighton, Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Wake Forest. Despite currently recovering from an injury, AJ’s potential is undeniable.
Matt Panaggio, Director of the Boys Basketball program and National Team Head Coach, couldn’t be more excited to see him back on the court, stating, “AJ is a super smart, skilled, and athletic player. I believe he will be the difference maker for this year’s team.”
AJ’s decision to join DME Academy was driven by his desire to elevate his game in a professional environment. When asked why he chose DME, AJ said, “I wanted to be in a college/pro environment with great minds to learn from, along with the welcoming strong brotherhood from the staff and teammates.” His commitment to growth, even during tough times like his injury, shows his dedication to becoming a top-tier player. As he works his way back to full strength, AJ is sure to continue turning heads and impressing scouts across the country.
Ranked as the #1 player in the state of New Jersey, Gigi Battle is not only a force on the court but also one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. With offers from schools like Auburn, Rutgers, Boston College, Princeton, and Ohio State—to name a few—Gigi’s future is incredibly bright. Coming from Edison, New Jersey, Gigi has been described as “a special talent and one of the more physically gifted kids we’ve ever had. She is highly touted for good reason” by Michael Panaggio, director of the Girls Basketball Program and Head Coach of the Gurls National Team.
Gigi chose DME Academy to better prepare herself for the demands of college basketball, saying, “I wanted to be more prepared for college and development in basketball.” Her focus and determination to push herself in every aspect of the game have already paid off, and the sky’s the limit for this outstanding young athlete. With her incredible work ethic and natural talent, Gigi is set to leave an indelible mark on the basketball world.
Both AJ Williams and Gigi Battle represent the future of basketball, and their time at DME Academy is helping to shape them into the stars they are destined to be. With the guidance of their coaches and the supportive environment at DME, these two athletes are not just preparing for college but for long, successful careers in the sport.
Want to stay updated on AJ and Gigi’s journey? Follow DME Academy for all the latest news, updates, and highlights from our top athletes.
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We couldn’t be prouder of our very own Tyana Walker, Class of 2022! The Kansas native has made waves in her first collegiate season, being named First Team All-MEAC and earning the prestigious title of MEAC Rookie of the Year!
Tyana’s journey from DME Academy to this huge milestone has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing incredible challenges, including the loss of her mother, Tyana’s determination and heart have propelled her to success. She stepped up not only as a leader in her family but as a force on the court, proving that hard work and perseverance pay off.
Her mom would be so proud, and we at DME Academy, along with her family, are beaming with pride as well! From the day she joined us, Tyana has been a standout student-athlete, and we always knew she was destined for greatness.
This is just the beginning for Tyana, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Go, Tyana! We’re all cheering you on for another incredible season!Want to learn more about Tyana’s incredible story? Watch her journey and the moments that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today HERE
They say hard work pays off, but for some, those dreams are never actualized. For Dominika Paurová of Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, all her hard work has paid off and continues to do so. Her legendary early mornings and late nights in the gym have taken her from Daytona, Florida, where she was known as a gym rat at DME Academy, all the way to Oregon State, and now, The University of Kentucky.
For most serious high school basketball players, it is a dream to play at the D1 college level, but it is almost impossible to take those dreams and make it to the Elite Eight. Dominika was able to achieve both with the help of her coaches and training at DME Academy. From the start, Coach Michael Panaggio knew something was special about her. Being on one of the best DME National Girls teams, Dom stood out as a relentless worker who focused not only on her strengths, but also on improving her weaknesses.
During her time at DME Academy, her legend was just getting started. As she lead the National Girls team to a state championship, averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. Her impressive performances over her senior year caught the attention of many recruiters, and she ultimately chose to take her talents to the Pacific Northwest to play for the Oregon State Beavers.
In the 2023-24 season, as a true freshman, Dominika made an immediate impact. Playing in all 35 games, she was a key player in the team’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight run, averaging 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Her late-game heroics and clutch playmaking down the stretch throughout the postseason truly prove that hard work pays off and dreams do come true!
Now, as she transitions to the University of Kentucky for the 2024-25 season, Dominika’s journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes. To learn more about her path from DME Academy to collegiate success and beyond, watch her exclusive interview below.
Dominika Paurová’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and the right support. At DME Academy, we are committed to helping student-athletes reach their full potential, both academically and athletically. If you’re aspiring to elevate your game, DME Academy is the place to start. Click here to learn more about our programs.
Daytona, Florida – Every year, the nation is gripped by the thrill and unpredictability of one of the world’s most exhilarating sporting events. March Madness lives up to its name, capturing the essence of fan enthusiasm with bracket challenges, surprise outcomes, and remarkable performances. Amidst this excitement, the spotlight on women’s athletics grows ever brighter, heralding a new era led by Caitlin Clark, poised to redefine the boundaries in sports by bridging the gap between men’s and women’s basketball—and beyond.
This year’s Women’s National Championship between South Carolina and the Iowa Hawkeyes not only promised to challenge viewership records previously set by Caitlin Clark (holding both #1 & #2) but also showcased the breadth of talent across women’s college basketball. With Clark at the helm, the semi-final and the monumental clash against UCONN drew 14.2 millions viewers – cementing her status as a generational talent.
Caitlin Clark, undoubtedly is set to don an Indiana Fever WNBA jersey as next year’s top draft pick and has left an indelible mark on this year’s tournament and the broader landscape of collegiate women’s sports. Her impact was acknowledged by none other than coach Dawn Staley from the opposing bench, who praised her from the championship podium. “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for elevating our sport,” Staley said, also calling Clark “one of the GOATs of our game.”
Yet, amidst the stars of the game, Chloe Kitts, emerging from DME Academy, is proving herself a rising star. Last season, Kitts was used sparingly, yet she frequently showcased her potential. This year, she has emerged as a key player for the Gamecocks during crucial moments. Starting in the championship game, Kitts was pivotal in her team’s strategy to contain Clark and the Hawkeyes, contributing significantly to the defensive effort that set the tone for the game.
Finishing with an impressive double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, Kitts’ performance was a testament to her growth, hard work, self-belief, and resilience. At DME Academy, we are proud to have been part of her journey and are excited for what players like Caitlin and Chloe will continue to contribute to women’s sports globally. Chloe Kitts’ transformation from a DME Academy alumna to a pivotal player in winning a national championship showcases the dedication and excellence we cultivate at DME Academy.
Our Women’s Basketball Program is designed to empower young female athletes, helping them reach their fullest potential on the basketball court and beyond. By joining our program, you embark on a journey towards personal and athletic success, following in the footsteps of remarkable athletes like Chloe. Discover how DME Academy can be a cornerstone of your success story. Click here to begin your journey with the DME Academy Women’s Basketball Program and unlock your potential today. Click here to get started.
It’s been quite the season for Chloe Kitts and Dominika Paurova, both coming out of the DME Academy Girls Basketball Program. Their journeys from academy prospects to key players in their respective college teams have been inspiring to say the least. And with their critical Sweet Sixteen games happening on Friday, the possibility of a DME Alumna Elite Eight showdown between Kitts and Paurova grows ever more exciting.
Chloe Kitts, now a pivotal player for South Carolina, has seen a dramatic transformation in her game. She’s not only the team’s second-leading scorer so far in the tournament- but also boasts an impressive field goal percentage of 92.86% thus far. Kitts in the opening round had a standout performance against Presbyterian, where she achieved a double-double with 21 points—going perfect from the field—and securing 13 rebounds.
On the other side, Dominika Paurova up against Eastern Washington in the first round notched a career-high of 17 points, showcasing her skill set in front of her family for the first time in her college career. Paurova also proved vital for the Beavers in closing out their second round victory over the pesky Nebraska Cornhuskers by hitting a crucial 3-pointer. The prospect of Kitts and Paurova facing off is a thrilling scenario for all at the DME Academy. We’re incredibly proud of Chloe and Dominika’s journeys and achievements in the NCAA tournament. Their hard work and dedication inspire us all. For any young female athletes inspired to elevate their game, know that your journey to excellence begins here at DME Academy. Click here to learn more about how we can help shape your path to greatness.
As March Madness grips basketball fans across the country, it’s a moment of pride for us at DME Academy to watch our alumni compete at the collegiate level. This year, we’re thrilled to see our men and women making waves in the NCAA Tournament, affirming our dedication to comprehensive development that mirrors the intensity of college-level competition.
DME Alumni in the NCAA Tournament:
At DME Academy, we prepare student-athletes for the academic rigor and athletic demands of collegiate programs. Our academy is built on the pillars of academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic competitiveness, fostering resilience and ambition in our students.
Seeing our alums excel in the NCAA Tournament spotlights the powerful blend of community support, expert coaching, and educational guidance they embraced at DME Academy. Their achievements underscore our unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of every student-athlete, propelling them toward success in athletics and life beyond.
If you are dreaming of competing at the next level and achieving academic success, DME Academy offers the foundation you need. Join us and begin your journey to becoming a well-rounded individual ready to tackle the challenges of college athletics and beyond. Discover more about how DME Academy can be part of your path to success. Click here to get started.
Finding the right summer sports camp is crucial to your child’s athletic and personal development. At DME Academy, our programs are specifically designed to nurture each athlete’s potential, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience that extends beyond just sports training.
At DME Academy, we recognize the unique goals and interests of each young athlete. Our camp offerings span various sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and more. Tailored to meet athletes at every level, from beginners to advanced competitors, our camps ensure focused attention and skill development for everyone.
DME Academy Summer Camps Available in 2024:
Volleyball Gold Medal Square Camp
Lacrosse Camp powered by System Eighty-One
DME Competitive Summer Prep Camps:
Expert Coaching and World-Class Facilities
Our dedicated coaches bring their passion and expertise to our top-notch facilities, fostering an environment where young athletes can challenge themselves and excel. With access to professional training and insights, participants are empowered to reach new milestones in their athletic journeys.
Beyond the Field
We believe in the power of sports to teach valuable life lessons. Our camps emphasize values like resilience, leadership, and teamwork, creating a nurturing atmosphere for athletes to develop not just physically but also as well-rounded individuals. This approach helps participants to build character, forge lasting friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
The Benefits of Joining a DME Summer Prep Camp:
At DME Academy, we’re committed to providing a transformative summer experience for young athletes. With our comprehensive training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated coaching staff, we offer the perfect environment for athletes to thrive. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, or any other sport, our camps focus on honing skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling values that extend beyond the field. Join us this summer and discover the difference at DME Academy! Learn more about our summer offerings by visiting our website.