Student exchange forges dream journey across continents

Niasi began his academic journey with the help of academic counselling to determine which field of study best suited him.

“With support, I found that the Bachelor of Information Science, specialising in information systems, was the right path for me. Professor Chris Scogings, Head of the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, gave me the confidence I needed to pursue information science.”

In his third year, Niasi seized the opportunity to participate in a student exchange at the University of Calgary in Canada, allowing him to travel while continuing his studies.

“A highlight of my exchange was spending Christmas in the mountains near Golden, British Columbia, skiing and snowboarding with a group of fellow exchange students. It was my first time staying in the mountains and skiing.”

Niasi says the friends he made and lived with during his second semester have become some of his closest mates.

“I stayed off-campus with six other exchange students from around the world. We shared each other’s home dishes, learned each other’s favourite sports and tried new restaurants together. I made friends from countries I never would have imagined travelling to.”

After completing his degree and enjoying his time in Canada, Niasi enrolled in a Master of Education in Coaching Studies at the University of Victoria to further develop his coaching skills.

Born and raised in Nukunuku, Tonga, Niasi’s passion for basketball and coaching began there.  

“I was the development officer for Tonga Basketball for several years and played and coached for Tonga’s National Men’s Basketball team. One of our greatest achievements was qualifying for the 2019 Pacific Games – something Tonga hadn’t done since 1963! I also coach in a grassroots programme, Pasifika Basketball Foundation, and I’m the coaching director for Tavake Pasifika, a basketball initiative similar to rugby’s Moana Pasifika.”

Motivated by the opportunity to learn from Canada’s sporting community, Niasi applied to one of the country’s best coaching programmes and joined the coaching team of the University of Victoria Vikes.

“While studying for my master’s, I wanted to offer my coaching services to the team. I’m proud to have been named one of the assistant coaches, as we have one of the most diverse coaching staff teams in the league. The exchange programme inspired me to pursue my master’s and reignited my passion for coaching basketball at the university level.”

The Vikes have just finished a history making season – winning the national tournament to become the top university basketball team in Canada for the first time in 28 years.

“The last time The Vikes won nationals none of our players were born yet. Not only did we make history at nationals, we also went undefeated in our regular season with a first-time appointed head coach. This hasn’t happened since 1976.”

Niasi credits much of his success to the support of his sisters, who have been significant influences in his life. His older sister encouraged him to return to study, while his younger urged him to take a leap of faith by studying his master’s.