Vlad Malukoff Calls it a Career

Few individuals have affected the Brooklyn Friends School community in the way Vlad Malukoff has over the past 26 years. Now, as he moves into the next phase of his journey—retirement—he will be remembered for his gregarious personality, his ability to tell stories effortlessly, the state basketball title he coached BFS to in 2003, and, most of all—his love for his students. That love, by ALL accounts, was mutual. 

As an Upper School History Teacher and class advisor, Vlad was truly one-of-a-kind. He loved the classics, spoke his mind, and—yes—might have ruffled a few feathers over the years. However, he was always his authentic self and for that, we are all thankful. 

“I am very lucky to have had a job that was my hobby, teaching history. I am thankful to BFS for the freedom it gave me as a teacher—and as a coach,” Vlad said. 

This past May at BFS’ year-end Athletic Celebration, Vlad was honored with the first-ever Friends Forever Award. In June, the Class of 2024 selected Vlad to be the colleague speaker at their commencement ceremony. Although he was unable to attend in person due to health reasons, he gave a rousing speech via video that touched everyone. “I wish you all to be brave, build your character, be positive and be moved by the spirit of love,” he said in part. 

Many people might remember that Vlad also coached soccer and basketball at BFS—but he was not just any other coach. Along with the late Mike Petelka, Vlad led the 2003 Varsity Boys Basketball team to the New York State Championship—an incredible feat for a school the size of BFS. The entire championship journey was documented in the film, Blue Pride State Champs, produced by BFS Director of Athletic Operations & Management, David Gardella, and former colleague, Andy Cohen. It is available to view on YouTube. 

“The lasting impact he had on that team—and all of his teams—goes much deeper than simply basketball,” David said. “Vlad leaves a lasting impression in Downtown Brooklyn.”

This past spring, many of his former players contributed video tributes to Vlad, including the star of his 2003 squad. 

“I just wanted to say, as my favorite teacher and my favorite coach of all time, I wanted to thank you so much for your passion and commitment,” said Kyle Neptune, now the head men’s basketball coach at Villanova. “Thank you also for the positive impact you have had not just on my life, but so many countless others.”

Prior to arriving at BFS, Vlad served as a Program Director at the International Center in New York, where he ran programs to help newly-arrived immigrants, refugees, and students get adjusted to life in the United States. He helped to promote cross-cultural understanding. He is a big fan of classical and ethnic-folk music, which will no doubt fill his speakers in the coming months and years. 

We like to say that Blue Pride Runs Deep—well, it never ran deeper than it has with Vlad. Thank you, friend. We wish you all the best and will always hold you in the light!