For Michigan basketball center Vlad Goldin, the game has always been more than just a sport—it has been a bridge connecting him to his roots, his dreams, and his family, even from thousands of miles away. The 7-foot-1 Russian big man has been making waves on the court for the Wolverines, but his biggest moment of the season happened off the hardwood when he finally reunited with his parents after nearly five years apart.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Goldin, originally from Nalchik, Russia, has been living in the United States since his high school years, chasing his basketball aspirations. But his journey to Michigan was not just about honing his skills or making a name for himself—it also came with the emotional burden of being separated from his family. Due to various travel restrictions, logistical complications, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goldin had not seen his parents in person since leaving home as a teenager.
That changed recently when Goldin’s parents finally traveled to the United States, reuniting with their son for the first time in nearly half a decade. The moment was one of overwhelming joy, as Goldin embraced the two people who had supported his dreams from afar.
“I can’t even put into words what this means to me,” Goldin said in an emotional interview. “There were times I thought this day might never come, but finally, after all these years, I’m with my parents again.”
A Basketball Journey Across Continents
Goldin’s journey to Michigan was anything but conventional. After excelling in Russia’s youth basketball system, he moved to the United States to pursue his dream of playing college basketball. He started his career at Texas Tech before transferring to Florida Atlantic, where he became a key player in FAU’s Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2023.
Following his breakout performance, Goldin transferred to Michigan, where he has continued to develop into one of the most skilled big men in the country. While his focus has always been on improving his game, the longing to see his family never faded. He spoke candidly about how difficult it was to be so far from home, especially during the early years of his transition to American basketball.
“It was tough at first,” Goldin admitted. “When you’re a teenager moving to a completely new country, learning a new language, and adjusting to a different culture, it’s hard. My parents were my biggest supporters, but we only had phone calls and video chats to stay connected. That’s not the same as being able to hug them or just have a normal day together.”
The Emotional Toll of Separation
For Goldin, the separation from his family was not just a personal struggle—it also shaped his mentality on the court. He channeled his emotions into his play, using basketball as an outlet to push himself harder. The dream of making his family proud motivated him through grueling training sessions and tough losses.
“Every game, every practice, I carried my parents with me in my heart,” he said. “They sacrificed a lot to help me get to this point, so every time I step on the court, I try to honor them.”
His teammates and coaches have long admired his resilience. Michigan head coach Dusty May praised Goldin’s ability to stay focused despite the personal challenges he faced.
“Vlad is one of the most mentally tough players I’ve ever coached,” May said. “To go through what he has, being away from his family for so long, and still perform at such a high level—it speaks volumes about his character.”
A Special Moment for the Goldin Family
The reunion with his parents was more than just a personal milestone—it was a moment of closure and healing for the entire Goldin family. His parents had only been able to watch his games from afar, staying up late to stream his performances online. Seeing their son in person, playing at the highest level of college basketball, was an emotional experience for them as well.
Goldin shared that the first few days with his parents were filled with laughter, stories, and catching up on years of missed time. “It’s the little things you miss the most,” he said. “Just having dinner together, talking about life—it’s something I haven’t been able to do with them in so long.”
Looking Ahead
Now that Goldin’s parents are in the United States, he hopes they can watch him play in person more often. He is also determined to make the most of the rest of his college career, knowing that his biggest supporters are finally able to witness his journey firsthand.
“Having them here gives me a different kind of motivation,” he said. “I want to keep making them proud, and now they get to see it all up close.”
With his family’s support now closer than ever, Vlad Goldin is poised to continue making an impact for Michigan. His journey has been filled with challenges, but this reunion has given him a renewed sense of purpose—both on and off the court.