DME Academy Sarasota Announces Strategic Partnership with Lakewood Ranch Prep to Launch Hybrid Academic & Elite Training Program
April 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch, FL — DME Academy, Sarasota is proud to announce a new collaboration with Lakewood Ranch Prep, bringing together high-level academics and elite athletic development in a unified, flexible model designed for today’s driven student-athletes.
Launching for the upcoming academic year, this innovative program will operate out of a top-tier facility in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, combining traditional classroom excellence with DME’s proven high-performance training environment. This program is in addition to our core location at Global Sports Institute in Venice, via a strategic academic partnership with SAI.
At the core of the program is a C-Flex hybrid academic model, built to provide structure, flexibility, and performance-based scheduling but in a traditional classroom setting.
Student-athletes will begin each day with elite training from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, working directly with DME coaching staff across:
- On-field soccer development
- Strength and conditioning
Following a midday break, students will transition into the Lakewood Ranch Prep academic environment, where they will engage in a traditional school setting enhanced by upgraded academic solutions, supervision, and support systems. This dual-structured approach ensures athletes are not forced to choose between academic integrity and athletic ambition—they can fully pursue both.
Program Flexibility
In addition to the full hybrid model, families also have the option to participate in daytime training only, pairing DME’s training schedule with virtual academics through SAI (Sports Academy International), DME’s official academic partner.
This flexibility allows families to select the pathway that best fits their goals, schedules, and learning preferences.
Leadership Perspective
“This is exactly the direction the modern student-athlete model needs to go,” said Jared Antista, DME Academy Sarasota Owner & GM. “We’re not asking families to compromise anything, just looking to add more options. This partnership allows players to train in a true high-performance environment during the day, while still receiving a traditional academic experience in the afternoon. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s happening right here in Lakewood Ranch.”
Tour & Information Event
Families are invited to experience the program firsthand:
📅 May 7th
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Lakewood Ranch Prep
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Tour the facility
- Meet the academic leadership team at Lakewood Ranch Prep
- Connect with DME coaching staff
- Learn more about program structure and enrollment options
About DME Academy Sarasota
DME Academy, Sarasota is the premier training environment focused on developing high-level athletes through structured programming, top coaching, and competitive pathways.
About Lakewood Ranch Prep
Lakewood Ranch Prep is a forward-thinking academic institution committed to providing a safe, structured, and innovative learning environment for students across all levels.