While we students often think we are the only ones who “grow up” over the course of our years at Milton, many faculty grow up here too. Upper School Athletics Department Faculty Samuel Landau P ’16, ’18, ’23 has been a member of our community for the past 23 years. When he joined, his eldest child was entering kindergarten; today, three of his children are graduates of Milton. This June, Landau will depart from his roles as a faculty member, coach, and mentor at Milton; his hard work, discipline, and care will never be forgotten.
Over his 23 years at Milton, Landau has served in a wide variety of roles across all three divisions. In 2003, he was hired as an Upper School assistant athletics director and head coach for both the Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams. He also taught Project Adventure, Fitness Concepts, and Physical Education courses. In 2006, Landau transitioned into the Middle School as the Middle School Athletics Director. Landau noted that he “greatly enjoyed leading the program” and valued “working with that age group.” After a successful tenure in the Middle School, Landau took a year-long sabbatical before returning to his role in the Upper School in 2024. In addition to resuming his coaching and teaching, he joined the sailing program for the first time as an assistant coach. Through these roles, Landau has touched so much of the Milton student community. Upper School Athletics Director Lamar Reddicks noted that after being “a member of our community for the past 23 years… [Landau] will certainly be missed.”
Landau’s colleagues consistently point to his strong dedication and care as qualities that set him apart. Varsity Sailing and Skiing Coach Patrick Broome recalled that, from the very beginning of their time working together, Landau distinguished himself through the “care he gave to athletes and students for both their athletic ability and total self.” Broome also highlighted Landau’s commitment to the sailing team, a sport in which Landau had no experience, yet “even on the coldest of days or most challenging of winds Landau was always willing to partner to ensure that the team and its athletes had continued growth and opportunities.” Echoing Broome’s remarks, current Middle School Athletics Director Samantha Lordi described Landau as an “invaluable resource” during her transition into his former role and emphasized the support he offered even while on sabbatical. She expressed her hopes to mirror his care and dedication to the role.
On a personal level, Landau has been a strong supporter of me throughout my time at Milton. I first got to know him in Middle School when he served as the faculty sponsor of the Middle School Jewish Student Union. Even then, I began to understand his deep dedication and care for the students involved. As I transitioned to high school, my first year on the sailing team coincided with his first year with the program. Despite his lack of previous sailing experience, Landau approached every practice and regatta with unwavering dedication and positivity. He also made it a point to check in with each of us on the team, asking not just about our athletics but our lives as a whole. Landau pushed us to think about the balance between academics, athletics, and family and encouraged us to think about our whole selves. He made a lasting impact on me and many members of the team.
Reflecting on his own journey, Landau remarked that he originally felt drawn to Milton because of its students, and he has continued to carry that sense of purpose ever since. He has found deep fulfillment in athletics and plans to continue this passion through a health coaching business in retirement. Following his valuable advice of finding work-life balance, he also plans to travel and explore the world with his wife. As he leaves Milton, Landau hopes to be remembered for one guiding goal: “ensuring that every student-athlete has a meaningful experience.”