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.
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
We are excited to shine a spotlight on Zaniah Zellous, our talented 6’2″ power forward from West Virginia, Class of 2025. Zaniah recently made headlines after an outstanding summer on the UAA live circuit, where she led WV Thunder to victory in the 17U National Championship.
Her dominance on the court and ability to perform under pressure have made her one of the most sought-after players in the country.
Zaniah’s recruiting résumé is impressive, boasting over 30 offers from some of the top college programs. Schools like Penn State, Michigan, Georgetown, Kentucky, and many others have recognized her potential, versatility, and leadership. As she continues to develop her game, Zaniah’s future in college basketball looks incredibly promising, and we are eager to see where her journey will take her next.
With her work ethic and talent, Zaniah Zellous is a name to watch in the DME Academy Class of 2025. As Zaniah prepares to take the next step at ECU, we are excited to watch her continued growth and success at the collegiate level.
Congratulations, Zania!
Stay tuned as Zaniah continues to Ignite the Dream and make waves on and off the court!
Learn more about becoming a Student-Athlete at DME Academy!
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.
Daytona Beach, FL – In a landmark achievement for DME Academy’s boys’ basketball program, Director Matt Panaggio recently celebrated his 100th career win, a testament to his dedication and innovative coaching methods. Under Panaggio’s guidance, the academy has not only seen significant victories on the court but also substantial player development, contributing to the sport on a global scale.
Reflecting on this milestone, Panaggio shared, “Reaching 100 wins is a collective achievement that speaks volumes about our commitment at DME Academy. It’s about the hard work the players put in every day and the support from our entire coaching staff and the academy. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for the future.”
The DME Academy basketball program, under Panaggio’s leadership, emphasizes not just athletic excellence but holistic development. This approach has prepared students for success both on and off the court, embodying the academy’s philosophy of building a foundation for life through sports.
Looking ahead, Panaggio is focused on continuing to elevate the program. “Our goal is always to improve, to challenge our limits, and to keep contributing positively to the lives of our student-athletes,” he stated, underscoring his vision for DME Academy’s future.
As Matt Panaggio celebrates this significant achievement, it’s clear that his influence extends far beyond the 100 wins. Through his leadership, DME Academy is setting a standard for excellence in youth basketball development, preparing the next generation of athletes for success in sports and life.
To learn more about DME Academy’s boys basketball program click here.