Foster Takes Different Path To CIS Basketball Court

This is not your traditional basketball story. Nope.

It would be a tale to describe Melissa Foster’s foray into the game of rims and backboards as one of learning to dribble at an early age, dominating youth basketball games and landing triumphantly at the University of New Brunswick to toil with the Varsity Reds. Everyone has a story of how they arrived at the Canadian Interuniversity Level and Foster’s is one a little more off the charts.

Growing up in Moncton, figure skating was Foster’s passion. While her peers were carrying gym bags to the court, Foster was cutting the ice, learning spins and patterns in cold arenas around the province.

Basketball? Not much thought, really. Too much time, dedication and commitment to figure skating.

 “I actually didn’t come up through any of the minor basketball programs,” said Foster. “I was an avid figure skater growing up which is what most of my childhood memories are. I figure skated for almost 10 years before stopping in Grade 9.”

It was then, Foster decided to see what this basketball thing was all about. Her path to UNB, unbeknownst to her, officially started by chance, learning a bit about her craft at the house league recreation level.

It’s a message that should resonate with countless of young players who can be led to believe there isn’t a future in a sport because they aren’t considered an elite player as early teenagers. So much growth awaits so many. Foster is proof in the pudding there are late bloomers out there.

She was so far behind others in her age group, she wasn’t sure if she was going to continue even playing basketball. “My Dad always loved and player basketball, so he started out coaching my at the house league level,” she recalled. “Once I started high school, I wanted to become more involved with school and that’s when I chose to play basketball. Joining the sport so late required me to work extremely hard to catch up to the skill level of my teammates. Even in my first year of university, I would require extra workouts dedicated to working on my skills and improving.”

See that? Work ethic.

It’s almost improbable that Foster should be where she is this season with UNB under head coach Jeff Speedy. Even though Foster started to bloom in her mid-teens, the darkest hour may have been when she was cut from New Brunswick’s under-17 team.

“I really wasn’t sure how serious I would be about basketball when I started and I hadn’t really thought much about competing at a high level,” Foster said. “The summer before my Grade 12 year I was cut from the provincial team. That was extremely upsetting for me. Then, I had a phone call from Coach Speedy. He had heard I didn’t make the team, but he wanted to give me the opportunity to play that summer. I ended up driving to Fredericton once or twice a week to scrimmage with the UNB team. I was thrilled. After that amazing opportunity, I knew I wanted to play CIS basketball.”

Speedy certainly remembers it well. He was surprised Foster didn’t make the age class team. There was just something in her that he couldn’t erase. Maybe others didn’t see, but call it a basketball sixth sense, if you will.

“I don't want to be overly dramatic but I did think Melissa was a diamond in the rough,” Speedy said. “She would have flashes of brilliance when I would go to see her play and I could tell she had a lot of potential. I remember her being cut from the under 17 team. I didn’t agree with the decision and called Melissa to tell her to not give up and keep working hard. Then a few months later I am recruiting her and here she is one of our most improved players and an emerging leader.”

A three time Academic All-Canadian, Foster continues to thrive as a dark horse. Her work ethic is unquestionable. Her desire is admirable.

“She really wants to improve, to get better every day and be a player we can rely on every day,” Speedy said. “I couldn't be happier with how she is progressing and with her decision three years ago to join our family.”

Foster does take leadership seriously. She’s a veteran now, but she certainly recalls her rookie and second season when she had support from older players.

“I have added leadership responsibilities as a third-year player, but I’m also more vocal now,” she said. “I want to lead by example. I do have a strong work ethic and I want to motivate others to do the same.”

She also has plans. Big plans.

Yes, she’s a varsity athlete, but her dedication to the scholastic portion of the student-athlete is as strong as her on-court presence. Foster harbours hopes and dreams of one day becoming a doctor.

“Becoming a doctor is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I volunteer at the hospital and every time I leave there, it makes me realize just how much I would love the career. Right now I am looking at becoming a pediatrician. I absolutely love children.”

That is evident in her commitment to young players, too. She coaches youth basketball and certainly recognizes a lot of the young fans who come out to watch UNB play. Foster may have other things on her mind immediately following a game, but she always has time for those who seek her out.

“There are honestly no words to describe the feeling to hear the girls cheering for you and to get high fives and hugs from them after the game,” she said. “There is no doubt, my teammates and I all feel like role models. We do a lot to spread our love and knowledge of the game to the upcoming players. The main thing is for the young girls to leave our games being excited about basketball.”

Foster is certainly excited about this year’s version of the VReds. She remained in Fredericton this past summer to work out with her coaches and carry extra courses. The sweltering Capital City heat didn’t deter her from hitting the gym, the weight room and the books. In fact, it’s studying that’s her outlet, her passion. Basketball brings it all together.

“It made sense for me to stay in Fredericton and be around my coaches, strength conditioning coach and my teammates,” she said. “I focused continually on becoming a better all around player. Shooting, attacking the basket, low post moves, ball handing and defence. I knew I wanted to put some serious work into becoming a better basketball player.”

She has indeed done that. So much has changed in the past four years for Foster … former figure skater … former youth rec league player. As they say in New Brunswick, she’s done good.

“It’s amazing to be part of such an outstanding program,” she said. “I consider my teammates, coaching staff and support system to be my family.”