NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Part of an ongoing series, VUCommodores.com catches up with former Vanderbilt men’s basketball great Shan Foster.
Foster is the program’s all-time leading scorer. He was named All-America after the 2007-08 season and was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Foster recently took some time for a Q&A to update his life and career:
VUCommodores.com: What is your occupation these days?
Foster: “I am the vice president of external affairs and AMEND Together at YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee. AMEND Together is an initiative that engages men and boys to end violence against women and girls.”
How has COVID-19 affected you and your family?
“We have been incredibly fortunate during this time as both my wife and I are able to work from home. Unfortunately, my step-mother’s father passed away recently and we were not able to have a traditional funeral to honor him the way we’d like due to COVID-19 restrictions. This is incredibly difficult when you have a big family. Also, my mother-in-law is a cancer survivor, so we have to be extremely cautious with sanitation to ensure her immune system is not even more compromised.”
What has been the hardest adjustment?
“The hardest adjustment has been the inability to connect with friends and colleagues. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a large network in Nashville who I’m able to socialize with quite regularly. I miss them and can’t wait to reconnect. I’m an extra-extrovert, so being safe inside equates to being stuck inside to me.”
What has been the most pleasant surprise in these circumstances?
“The most pleasant surprise has been seeing the resiliency of our staff at the Weaver Domestic Violence Center and the courage of medical professionals – those who are risking their own health in order to care for complete strangers. The heart of our city and country lies within the selfless acts of kindness and service. I just hope we are all learning from this experience and create a new normal once this is over.”
Any good books, movies or games to recommend?
“I recommend everyone watch the Vanderbilt vs Mississippi State men’s basketball game from 2008. It’s a great story about togetherness, perseverance, courage and triumph. All the things it will take for us to beat COVID-19.”
What was your all-time favorite moment as a Commodore?
“My favorite moment as a Commodore was the night we returned back to campus after beating Washington State in the NCAA Tournament that earned us a spot in the Sweet 16. The streets were filled with excited fans who stayed up all night just to welcome us back home in celebration. I remember walking through that crowd and hugging so many fans, friends and families I had grown to love because they loved me. That was a special moment!”
What do you miss most in the sports world right now?
“The thing I miss most about sports is seeing other kids living their dream. The passion of college sports. The perfection of professional sports. And the look of aspiration and hope in high school sports. It’s amazing and truly missed.”
Any advice or words of wisdom to Commodore Nation to help us get through this thing?
“Together everyone achieves more. Don’t stay home for you, stay home for your neighbors. For your family, for your friends. For the doctors who we all depend on at some point in our lives. For the officers who sacrifice to keep us safe. For the teachers who educate our youth. And for the entrepreneurs whose products and services supply our needs. Life is a team sport. We only win if we do it together!”
Anything else you’d like to say about your time at Vanderbilt or what you’ve been up to since you left?
“The one regret I have about my time at Vanderbilt is that I didn’t connect with more of my classmates over the years. We’re all a part of the Vanderbilt family. It’s time we reunite!”
