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.
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.
DME Academy U14 Volleyball Team Finishes 3rd at the USAV Girls Junior National Championship held in Chicago!
The U14 DME Academy volleyball team showcased their exceptional talent and determination as they secured an impressive third-place finish at the prestigious USAV Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship tournament held in Chicago.
The nine-day tournament hosted by USA Volleyball featured over 100 of the most skilled volleyball teams with the most distinguished volleyball players from around the country. This year’s tournament was held at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago, Illinois.
With unwavering teamwork and remarkable skills on display, DME volleyball left a lasting impression on the national level. Their outstanding performance throughout the tournament demonstrated their commitment to excellence and their ability to rise to the occasion, making them a force to be reckoned with in youth volleyball.
Facing fierce competition from elite teams nationwide, the U14 DME Academy players exhibited remarkable athleticism, strategic play, and consistent focus. The team’s success can be attributed to their strong work ethic, the exceptional coaching from Brooke VanBrocklin and Rodrigo Saunders, and relentless drive to succeed.
Placing third in a tournament of this caliber is a testament to DME Academy’s mission to become a powerhouse on the national level. The U14 DME Academy volleyball team has undoubtedly established itself as a rising star in the volleyball community, leaving a lasting impression on the sport and paving the way for DME’s growing volleyball program.
Congratulations to Emma Cronje, Nailah Cullom, Jade Gunter, Mollie Hale, Sofia Mackin, Keri Petro, Arden Reynolds, Sarah Stegall, Grace Taylor, Sadie VanBrocklin, and Lillian VanDeusen on a successful volleyball season!
Dream of competing on the national stage? You can learn more about DME Academy’s volleyball program here!
DME Academy volleyball player, Sarah Stegall, has been named to Florida’s Team USA Volleyball team!
DME Academy volleyball player, Sarah Stegall, has been named to Florida’s Team USA Volleyball team.
Stegall was invited to the program’s Selection Camp in June where she was able to showcase her talents on the court. She was one of only twelve players chosen to represent the state of Florida on their U15 National Team. The squad will compete against other all-star teams from across the nation at the upcoming USA Volleyball All-Star Championships in Fort Lauderdale, a 5-day tournament at the end of July.
Being named to any of the regional Team USA Volleyball teams is an impressive accomplishment and an opportunity for these young athletes to further their volleyball careers. At the championships, the teams will be coached by current college-level coaches as they square up against the best of the best.
Rodrigo Saunders, DME Academy’s volleyball coach, stated, “Sarah Stegall is super dedicated to her volleyball career and is one of the most committed players I have ever had the chance to coach. She is always trying to learn something new and expand her skill set. This is a great opportunity for her to compete amongst some of the best players in her age group, even in the 15s, and I am super excited to see how far her volleyball career goes.”
Dream of competing at the highest levels like Sarah Stegall? You can learn more about DME Academy’s volleyball program here!
Three 18-1 DME Academy volleyball players, Caroline Myers, Sadie Rich, and Anna Khrapova are taking their talents to the next level!
DME Academy’s volleyball team is once again making its mark in the world of collegiate sports. Three players have recently committed to playing volleyball in college and their journey is nothing short of inspiring. These girls have been playing together for years, perfecting their skills and pushing themselves to be the best that they can be. Now, their hard work has finally paid off and they are headed to the next level.
First up is Caroline Myer, a talented setter who has been a standout player on the DME team for years. She has recently committed to playing at Ave Maria University, where she will be attending school and hitting the court at a Gyrene starting this 2023-24 season. Myer is known for her precise sets and quick thinking on the court, and she is sure to make a big impact at the collegiate level.
Sadie Rich, a strong right side who has been a key player for the 18-1 DME Academy volleyball team, has signed to play for Chatt State in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rich’s powerful spikes and strong presence on the court make her a force to be reckoned with, and she is sure to thrive in the competitive world of college volleyball.
Anna Khrapova, a versatile setter who has excelled on the court and in the classroom at DME, has signed to play for Lawrence Technological University. Khrapova’s ability to play multiple positions and her unwavering determination make her a valuable asset to any team, and she is sure to make an impact as a Blue Devil.
“It has been a pleasure to watch these young women grow in our program here at DME,” says Dawn Moses, Director of Volleyball at DME Academy. “These ladies stayed loyal to the DME volleyball program and ended with a great 18’s season. Caroline led the offense most of the year, while Sadie worked her magic at the net. Anna was a utility player that performed wherever she was needed on a given weekend. We wish them the best of luck and cannot wait to watch them grow in this sport.”
These three girls from DME Academy’s 18-1 volleyball team are proof that hard work and dedication pay off in the end. They have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and improve their game, and now they are headed to the next level. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented athletes and we wish them all the best in their college careers.
Want to take your volleyball game to the next level with DME? Click here!
The All-Area Volleyball team has been released for local high school players and we are proud to announce that 12 DME Academy athletes have been named to the list. We are happy to celebrate these accomplished athletes.
Out of these 12 accomplished athletes, there are also 3 individuals who have also made 1st team which automatically enters them into the drawing for player of the year, which will be decided this coming May. Taylor Timko, Sydney Moses, and Alyssa Kornegay have proven to be the best out of the best. Alyssa Kornegay has also earned the title of 6A Player of the Year.
These twelve players were not only vital to each of their DME team’s success but also to their respective high school squads. They all set great examples of work ethic, sportsmanship, and leadership. We are proud of all their accomplishments and grateful for the contributions they made to DME. Their talent and dedication will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see what they will accomplish in the future.
Congratulations to Taylor Timko, Sydney Moses, Alyssa Kornegay, Gabby Conway, Mollie Martin, Caroline Myers, Ivy Westfall, Emma Van Duesen, Emma Dhainaut, Hannah Zona, Andie Litz, and Isabel Castillon.
Alvaro Sanchez, Director of DME Academy’s volleyball program, was recently honored with the Coach of the Year as well as 6A High School Coach of the Year. He also led his high school team to an outstanding season with the Florida 6A State Championship. Under Sanchez’s guidance, his team developed a strong sense of teamwork and discipline, which helped them achieve success. Coach Sanchez’s players have also seen significant improvement in their skills and game strategies, thanks to his dedication and expertise. The community is proud of Coach Sanchez’s accomplishments and grateful for his contributions to the school and the sport of volleyball.
Learn more about DME Academy’s volleyball program here!
Congrats to New Smyrna Beach on winning the volleyball State Championship!
It started with a serve, followed by a few hundred passes, sets, and spikes. And it ended with a block, leaving the New Smyrna Beach High School Barracudas as volleyball state champions.
Located about 20 miles south of DME Academy, the Barracudas’ indoor volleyball team is led by head coach Alvaro Sanchez, who is also DME Volleyball’s Master and Academy Coach. Their assistant coach is Jill Kornegay, who also acts as DME Club Volleyball’s Assistant Club Director.
Many members of the New Smyrna Beach Indoor Volleyball team are also athletes on the DME Club Volleyball team. These nine players include Teagan Lux, Ivy Westfall, Lily Schlageter, Quinn Kraljic, Libby Nickels, Gracie Newell, Chloe Gibson, Hannah Zona, and Alyssa Kornegay.
Leading up to the state championship match, the Barracudas boasted an impressive record of 24-2 including a win at the state’s inaugural beach volleyball championship last spring.
Although they entered the final match of the championship with confidence, they were no strangers to their opponent, the Viera High School Hawks. These two teams had faced off last fall when the Hawks defeated the Barracudas in the playoffs in the regional finals.
Determined to come out on top, the Barracudas fought hard in every single game, needing all five sets to get the win (23-25, 25-15, 25-18, 19-25, 16-14). They won the final point of the match on a block by Newell, sealing the victory and their title as state champions.
This comes as the first indoor volleyball state championship in New Smyrna Beach High School history. DME’s very own Newell led the Barracudas with four blocks throughout the match.
Not only did they come home as state champions, but these athletes also solidified their legacy at New Smyrna Beach High School.
Congratulations to the New Smyrna Beach Barracuda’s indoor volleyball team on this incredible accomplishment, and congratulations to Coach Sanchez, Coach Kornegay, and the nine members of the DME Club Volleyball team!
To learn more about our volleyball program and how you can get involved, click here.