Athletics

Announcing Roycemore's New Athletic Director:

Nipheannaboth "Both" Long

Following a comprehensive search with candidates from around the country and the world, Nipheannaboth “Both” Long has been named Roycemore’s next Athletic Director. Both received his B.A. from Boston College and also studied at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain and the Universidad Catolica Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fluent in Khmer and Spanish, Both was recognized as a member of the United States Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30” in 2018. Both currently works in the Athletic Department at Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, MA, where he has also taught Spanish. At Beaver Country Day, Both designed and led Advanced Spanish courses studying Latin American Social Movements. Students extended their learning through projects they created and through multiple guest speakers that led to a dynamic classroom environment. Prior to Beaver Country Day, Both worked at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA where he taught Spanish, served as the Associate Director of Diversity and coached soccer and basketball. Additional experience includes serving as the Assistant Coach and Director of Education for The Technical Institute in Houston, where he designed and taught training curriculum and supervised staff coaches for the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Both also previously served as Director of Operations and Residential Director at Arsenal Soccer Schools, NY, and F.C. Barcelona Escola Soccer Camps, London England. In addition to coaching, Both’s interests include yoga, rock climbing, reading, spinning, cooking and functional fitness. Currently, Both is in the process of completing certification with Positive Coaching Alliance as a trainer for coaches, parents, organizational leaders, and sports organizations. This is a nationwide organization that is invested in empowering coach educators to change the culture of youth athletics in the country.

Upon learning of his appointment Both wrote, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Roycemore team! When I visited campus I was so moved by the entire community’s dedication to individualizing a holistic learning experience; Roycemore is a fantastic learning environment to develop young minds and inspire future leaders. I look forward to honoring Roycemore’s legacy and contribute to an exciting future for the students and athletes.” As a graduate of independent schools himself, including the Fenn School and then Middlesex School in Concord, MA, Both states that “gratitude for my life changing academic experiences fuels my desire to help students become strong students, athletes, self advocates, and leaders.”

Both will be joining Roycemore this summer and will work with Dea Beaugrand in summer camp as Assistant Director, before taking the reins next year as Director. Dea will support Both to take over the leadership of a summer camp program that she initially developed forty-seven years ago. Both will also benefit from Rob Linkhart’s long tenure as Athletic Director as he will continue to serve Roycemore as a part-time Physical Education teacher. In addition to Athletic Director and Camp oversight, Both will also teach Physical Education and some Spanish as well as coach soccer. We are thrilled to welcome Both Long to our Roycemore community!

Celebrating Community and Skill

The Athletic Department at Roycemore helps the school celebrate individuality and inspires excellence by:

Emphasizing student participation in athletic programs over competing at the highest level possible
Seeking to bring out the best qualities in each child as a person of character and an athlete, regardless of skill level while being challenging
Encouraging a focus on individual growth, rather than on a win-at-all-costs attitude
Establishing sportsmanship, character development, a positive attitude, and teamwork as the top priorities for all Roycemore athletes
Modeling goal-setting and planning as important life skills beyond the court or field
Promoting the benefits of a strong work ethic and sound preparation and practice habits
Providing opportunities for more advanced competition for students with advanced skills
Instilling in all students a life-long appreciation of the benefits of exercise and the important role physical activity plays in determining the quality of life

Athletics for the 2020-2021 School Year

As we continue to follow the local and state protocols for a phased reopening of schools, we intend to offer athletic programs for our students in a healthy and safe way. Please see the following communication from our Athletic Director:

Athletic Department Letter – July 14, 2020

How To Participate?

Roycemore offers the following interscholastic teams:

Soccer – coed, both Middle & Upper Schools
Volleyball – girls, Middle & Upper Schools; boys, Upper School only
Cross Country – coed, Lower, Middle & Upper Schools
Basketball – boys & girls teams, Middle & Upper Schools

Any Roycemore student in Grades 5 through 12 can participate in interscholastic athletics regardless of skill level. Participation is given a higher priority than competing to win at all grade levels, but competing to win does take on increased focus as the participants become older.