Author’s Note:
Jarrey Foster battled two ACL injuries during his high school and collegiate playing days. The Houston, Texas native was a member of the SMU men’s basketball program for four years. As a former high school standout at North Shore High School, he was named MVP of the 2014 Texas State basketball tournament. An ACL injury during the summer following his junior year in high school forced him to sit out his senior season. Despite the injury, he still earned a scholarship offer to play for Larry Brown and Tim Jankovich at SMU. Foster and the Mustangs produced the program’s first 30-win season in 2017 after winning both The American regular season and tournament crowns. While preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft, he suffered a second ACL injury and played in only 16 games during his final season in an SMU uniform. Following his graduation in 2019, he founded JF Elite Basketball, an organization which offers basketball consulting, private and group training and conducts camps and clinics throughout the Dallas and Houston communities. Next month, Foster will launch a new apparel company, One Zero.
 
The Red Journal
 
Jarrey Foster … Maybe you’ve heard that name, from basketball. But there’s more to this kid from Houston.
 
Growing up, my life was about simple things: beating the odds and changing the statistics. Didn’t realize what life had in store.
 
I grew up the son of a single mother with four kids. She worked tirelessly to make sure we were comfortable. Christmas was a time of love and appreciation, rather than the newest technology.
 
Christmas 2018: I received a Red Journal from “Meme,” my oldest sister Myra. I wasn’t expecting a marvelous gift. I also wasn’t expecting an empty journal.
 
Two months later, I stared at that journal’s thin, horizontal lines and put a pen to it.
 
As things turned out, that journal became the “plus-one” to my Bible. They worked hand-in-hand as I went through tough times.
 
Today, I see a journal once empty, now full of words.
 
Those pages chronicle what a boy went through to become a man. I relive past thoughts to understand what my future holds. Painful lessons and growth were necessary to create a path outside the game.
 
It’s hard to see light in darkness. Sometimes you find your way using your own light.
 
Before games, I had major anxiety. As a remedy, I listened to Anita Baker. My mom played Anita’s music every Saturday when we had to clean. Bringing that comfort back during warmups calmed me. She was always with me.
 
My journal is my journey. These 2019 entries say so much …

Jan. 16 - “Do I still Love Ball?” “Did I ever Love Ball?”
 
Jan. 24 - “I have an MRI for the fourth time (in a year). Waiting on news that’s never good, hoping for the best”
 
Jan. 29 - “A year ago, I tore my ACL. A year later, still not on the floor. God puts you through things to make you stronger.”
 
May 12 - “You have been mom & dad, the best way you could’ve. That’s why I can’t stop until you’re the happiest woman on Earth.”
 
May 21 - “I had major pains in my legs … trying to get better … that brought me anxiety, thinking I wasn’t built for this.”
 
Aug. 3 - “I’ve gone through every thought and emotion, covered up so much to give myself an opportunity to play.”
 
Aug. 13 - “Before I give up … I’m going to get uncomfortable without thinking, give my all, accept failure where I am.”
 
 

Thank You Basketball - “I tried, didn’t quit. Seven times. I believed, had faith. Still do. I care, work hard. Did I care too much? Since Jan. 17, 2018, I’ve held on, scared to let go. It wasn’t fear. It was me. Cared about proving myself … and lost myself. I tried; I didn’t succeed. I’m tired, but I won. Time and again, it was taken away. I didn’t capitalize on down time. Now I will. This isn’t my white towel, it’s a step to hopefully see you again! Let God Be Great.”
 
I learned a lot about myself. I also learned about how so many African-American men grow up without a father, without a plan or vision. That can cause trauma and uncertainty, leading to anxiety and other issues.
 
I transformed my troubles into becoming a leader. We all have mental health setbacks. I turned my negative feelings into positives, knowing things would get better.
 
I wanted to make younger teammates feel comfortable being themselves, using past trials to align their future. I learned that from my older teammates. Some reached their dream of playing pro ball. I didn’t, but I lived out my dream through them.

There’s been many influential people in my life, including former roommate Shake Milton, childhood friend Eric Monroe, and rehab buddy Alicia Froling. I never knew what loneliness felt like until I went through anxiety and depression while injured. Alicia also wore 10. I’d see her during rehab and she’d say “You got this, 10.” I’d say the same. That comfort of knowing I wasn’t alone kept me going. 
 
I started playing basketball in seventh grade and told myself I’d reach the top. Almost reached it, when I entered the 2018 NBA Draft. It felt so real. But I was injured, never got to showcase myself.
 
I was stressed. Should I take a chance to put my family in better position? Or should I look at longevity, come back to school, get a degree? I’m thankful I chose this route: I’ve graduated and can make direct changes in other people’s lives.
 
“The power of the mind.” Let me switch it up: “The power is in the mind.” All negatives in my life were a cover up. The mind dictates what’s a negative. If you ask me, all things really are positives, because you can learn from them.
 
Life has a crazy way of making you feel things will crumble, but you have to reinforce that your path is different. Everything that happens to you is unique. Mindset dictates all.
 
What is my love for the number 10? I was born on the 10th; weighed 10 pounds. Ten is the standard. My jersey? … 10. I chose 10 because of my mother, Samandrea (Sam). We share a birthday every year.
 
My goal was to not have my mom pay for college. She wasn’t able to. But she instilled manners, grit, determination to be the best version of Jarrey that I could. With that, I honor her.
 
I’ve created the brand “One Zero.” It symbolizes the bond with my mom. It also recognizes times when you’re on top in life (1) and other times when you feel empty (0).
 
Many come short of their dreams. One Zero is for athletes who don’t make it, so they still can be endorsed and have value and athletic feel. Creating that bridge will help them keep that confidence of being an athlete while transitioning into the life of non-athlete.
 
My life hasn’t been the easiest. No matter what happens, I will not let the stigma of having mental-health issues slow me down.
 
Call me crazy. Call me soft. But you won’t know until you also experience what the power of the mind can do, when it takes over as a negative. People ask why I’m so nice? Because life isn’t promised.
 
It’s okay to be you and shine bright through ups and downs. I finally found that out, when I put pen to paper, in that red journal.
 
Thanks MEME!