Three years at DME Academy in Daytona Beach helped lay the foundation for a remarkable journey from youth soccer to one of Florida’s top college programs.

At DME Academy, we believe the right environment, the right coaching, and the right opportunities can change the trajectory of a young athlete’s life.

For Joachim Kyei, that journey has taken him from Ghana to DME Academy in Daytona Beach, through a national championship run at Daytona State College, and now to the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he represents the Knights at the NCAA Division I level.

It’s an incredible accomplishment and another example of what’s possible when talented young players are given the tools, resources, and environment to pursue their dreams.

Three Years at DME Academy

Before making his mark in college soccer, Kyei spent three years developing at DME Academy’s Daytona Beach campus.

DME’s model combines high-level soccer training, academic development, and a competitive environment designed to prepare student-athletes for the next stage of their careers.

For international players like Kyei, the experience provides more than just soccer. It offers an opportunity to adapt to life in the United States, pursue an education, develop relationships, and prepare for the demands of collegiate athletics.

His journey represents exactly what the DME Academy pathway is designed to accomplish: developing players while opening doors to opportunities beyond the academy.

A Breakout Season at Daytona State

Following his time at DME, Kyei joined Daytona State College, where he quickly established himself as an impact player.

During the 2025 season, Kyei delivered an outstanding freshman campaign:

• 20 appearances, 19 starts
• 5 goals and 8 assists
• 18 total points
• United Soccer Coaches All-East Region XI selection
• NJCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team
• NJCAA Division I National Runner-Up

Perhaps his biggest moment came on November 8, 2025, when he scored a dramatic overtime winner against USC Lancaster to secure the Southeast District Championship.

That victory helped propel Daytona State into the NJCAA National Championship Tournament, where the Falcons ultimately reached the national final.

Kyei wasn’t simply part of a successful team. He was one of its key contributors.

The Next Chapter: NCAA Division I at UCF

His performances earned him an opportunity with the University of Central Florida, joining the Knights for the 2026 season.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level represents another major step in Kyei’s development and provides an opportunity to test himself against some of the best collegiate players in the country.

His transition from DME Academy to Daytona State and now UCF demonstrates how multiple pathways can lead to the highest levels of college soccer.

Not every player’s journey looks the same. Some move directly into NCAA programs. Others develop through junior college, international competition, or alternative routes.

What matters is continuing to grow, compete, and earn the next opportunity.

“Joachim is one of those special people who makes everyone around him better. He was a friend to players across all of DME, regardless of age or team, and someone the younger kids genuinely looked up to. During our summer boarding camps, he would jump in and help train the younger players, always giving his time and energy without being asked. Just a great soul, an incredibly hard worker, and an absolute warrior on the field. You can’t help but root for someone like Joachim. We’re all incredibly proud of him, not just for the player he’s become, but for the person he is.”

— Jared Antista, DME Academy Sarasota

One Academy. Multiple Campuses. One Mission.

For DME Academy, Joachim’s success is something our entire organization can celebrate.

With programming in Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and an expanding presence across Florida, DME continues to build a connected ecosystem of athletic development, academics, and competitive opportunities.

At DME Academy Sarasota, we’re particularly excited about what stories like Joachim’s represent for our younger players.

Whether competing in MLS NEXT, the National Academy League, Girls Academy Aspire, or participating in our integrated school and soccer programs, the goal remains the same: prepare student-athletes for opportunities at the next level.

Joachim’s journey is proof that development takes time, opportunity matters, and the right pathway can make all the difference.

Three years at DME. A national championship appearance at Daytona State. NCAA Division I soccer at UCF.

That’s a journey worth celebrating.

Congratulations, Joachim. Your DME family is proud of you.

Do More Everyday. Ignite the Dream.