May 6th, 2026

For Nial Both, a career in education, coaching university football and mentoring youth in the community allows him to give back to the community that has allowed him to flourish.

When he immigrated to Canada from South Sudan in 1988 at seven years old, Nial stepped into a Canadian winter, didn’t yet speak English and was navigating the uncertainty that comes with moving to a new country.

After arriving in Kitchener, he began his education journey at Victoria Public School, transitioned briefly to Howard Robertson Public School, and eventually settled at Country Hills Public School. He continued at Laurentian Senior Public School for Grades 7 and 8 before attending Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, where he graduated in 2001.

Finding His Footing 

The first years in school were challenging for Nial as he learned English in school while speaking Nuer, a South Sudanese dialect, at home. His educators supported him in acquiring a new language, working closely with him and offering targeted support. 

At Laurentian and later at Cameron Heights, exploring academic opportunities and participating in athletics like basketball, football, and track helped ground him. His coaches helped him explore new opportunities. 

A Path Toward Purpose

After graduating from university, Nial explored several career paths. He coached full-time at the University of Waterloo and later as a running back coach for the Laurier Golden Hawks, becoming a role model for youth and demonstrating what is possible through discipline, opportunity, and resilience.

He also found purpose as a social worker for Family and Children’s Services.

Beyond academics and sports, Nial remained active in his community, particularly with South Sudanese youth, running programs and activities. 

“I want to make the greatest impact, to help one more kid. I can’t ask someone to do something I’m not willing to do myself,” he says. 

His path toward education came unexpectedly. After joining Alpine Public School, the school’s team-based approach and school leadership made him feel at home. 

Now in his fourth year at Alpine, he works closely with staff and students.

“It’s a team model. Everyone is working toward the same goal of quality education and great care for students. We all try to help each other out and pick up where we’re needed.”

Today, Nial is a proud father of two and a dedicated Educational Assistant,  coach and mentor. He holds a profound belief in the transformative power of education and is driven by a commitment to help every child access the opportunities they deserve.

Celebrating Alumni of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)

Graduates of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) are accomplishing incredible things in our community, our country and around the world. We are putting a spotlight on their success in their chosen pathways and how their time at WRDSB supported them to graduation and beyond. WRDSB provides students with a solid foundation for success, and we are excited to celebrate the contributions and achievements of WRDSB alumni.

Learn more about our incredible WRDSB graduates.