Foster knows there’s life after basketball

Coaching women’s basketball is a significant part of what Jim Foster’s life has been about. After more than four decades in the profession, that much is abundantly clear.

But in an interview with The Dispatch last week after announcing his retirement from the profession, the former Ohio State coach was quick to point out that it wasn’t all of who he is.

“I’ve never wanted it to be the defining factor (of my life),” he said. “I think too often in this business people stay on too long or hold onto something for such a long time they’re not sure they can function without it. But I think I’ve done enough and have enough interests to not be concerned with that.”

The decision to retire after amassing 903 career wins, 279 of which came during a tenure with the Buckeyes that lasted from 2002-13, was brought on by several factors. Foster, 69, has two grandchildren and a third on the way, and both of his sons have gently urged him to “hang out more,” he said.

While spending time in New Zealand during the offseason, where Foster works with an organization to help develop young coaches, he spent a few extra weeks with his wife of 43 years, Donna, and enjoyed the time away from the demands of the job.

Then there was the recent passing of former Jim Foster, talking to center Jantel Lavender before an NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee in 2011, maintains relationships with his former players and helps then navigate their lives.

Wittenberg, Ohio and Western Carolina men’s basketball coach Larry Hunter, who was 68 and suffered a stroke on April 29 and died five days later.

“That was in the framework of my thought process,” Foster said. “He was a nice man and he’s

getting ready to enjoy what’s next and he doesn’t get the opportunity. You don’t know what the heck is around the corner.

“A lot of people hang onto something, afraid of what’s next, and I’m not afraid of what’s next. It’s just time to do it.”

Foster coached at St. Joseph’s and Vanderbilt, winning 504 games in 24 seasons before coming to Ohio State. After being let go following the Buckeyes’ 201213 season, Foster was hired at Chattanooga, where he went 120-40 in five seasons and became the first coach to reach the NCAA Tournament with four different programs. He is seventh all-time in career wins.

At Ohio State, he won six Big Ten titles, made the tournament 10 times and reached three Sweet 16s. Reflecting on his time there, Foster pointed to the relationships he developed and still maintains with players from Jessica Davenport to Ashlee Trebilcock to Samantha Prahalis to Raven Ferguson.

Foster said he is helping Davenport get into sports administration and Prahalis get her degree as she pursues a future in coaching. He’s also pushing Ferguson to finish her education.

After 40 years of living his life to a certain calendar, Foster said he is looking forward to experiencing a few things most others take for granted.

“What’s it like to have a Christmas?” he said with a chuckle. “There’s a lot of things you don’t do (as a coach). My wife used to be a skier, but she hasn’t skied in 40-some years because she married a basketball coach 43 years ago.”