GVYC and Harry Malakoff

GVYC, Greenwich Village Youth Council, began 18 years ago when Harry Malakoff could not find a basketball league for his daughter.  He took matters into his own hands and began GVYC.  He recruited women who played basketball for NYU and Columbia University to be his coaches.  He stood out in front at middle  schools in the morning and basically went up to parents and asked them if they had daughters that would be interested in his league.  I was one of those parents. 

Both Jessica and Emily played in the league from the first year you could enter at roughly 9/10 years old until they both worked their way through the league into being assistant coaches for community service while keeping connected to the league.  Practice on Friday evenings and games at PS 41 on Saturday mornings. 

The league has been an incredible place for young women who love basketball.  Every one of the top High School players in the downtown school system came through GVYC.  I know because our girls were two of those players.  They learned how to play and excel because they were playing in an all girls league.

Even Josh has become involved as an assistant coach.  A long standing amazing program for the downtown community.  Harry retired this past weekend. Christine Quinn, who has come faithfully to the last games of the season every year and spoke about the impact Harry has made to the community. 

I am a big fan.  I would be surprised to see Harry completely retire as I bet you will still find him at the games next year on Saturday morning.  It just won't be the same without his presence.