Graduate center Vlad Goldin was playing for much more than a win on Sunday.
Hailing from Voronezh, Russia, Goldin left his family behind to play at Texas Tech, transferring to Florida Atlantic where he played for three years and was a key part of the Owls’ Final Four run. This season, Goldin followed Dusty May to Ann Arbor, where he has been a standout player for Michigan. Ahead of Sunday’s senior night game, Goldin had done something he had been dreaming about for over five years: seeing his family.
Due to visa restrictions, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and the lengthy travel time, Goldin’s family hasn’t been able to come to the U.S. to see their son or meet his fiance, Camryn Vogler. But on Friday, Goldin reunited with his parents Lubov and Sasha at the airport, sporting flowers and a beaming smile.
“When I saw them, I was speechless for probably like a good amount of time,” Vlad said postgame. “But then we started talking and it felt like they’ve always been here. I take pride in how great a relationship we have with each other, because they’ve always been there, always supporting me, no matter if I win or lose, it doesn’t matter. ”
The post Despite loss, Vlad Goldin shines in first game in front of family in five years appeared first on UM Hoops.com .