Athlete of the Week: James Foye

Against senior James Foye, most defenders are helpless. An especially canny three-point shooter, Foye utilizes his silky left-handed shot to stun defenders while exercising the ability to drive fearlessly towards the basket. Most of the time, all a defender can do is pray that somehow, someway, Foye’s shot bounces or rolls off the rim. But the chances of that happening are as unlikely as Foye failing a math test.Before coming to Exeter his lower year, Foye was appointed to the All-Star Team in his conference and voted Most Valuable Player. During his first year at the Academy, his team won the NEPSAC Class A Championship. The following year, Foye was ranked as one of the top 40 basketball players in New England and a one of the top 100 shooting guards in the country. In addition to his impressive basketball career, Foye was inducted into the Cum Laude Society earlier this fall, is a proctor in Knight House and plays for the varsity boys’ baseball team in the spring.As a young child, Foye possessed a natural love for basketball. “I would always go with my Dad to the gym and shoot around with him,” Foye said. This early start to the sport allowed him to develop his passion over the years, undoubtedly contributing to his large impact on the team.

“Being with James through the highs and lows of Exeter for three years, it will be bittersweet to part ways at the end of this year both on and off the basketball court.”

Coach Jay Tilton began working with Foye as a new lower. “His progression as a player at this level has been terrific. He plays and practices at a college pace and raises the expectations of those around him,” Tilton said.According to his teammates and friends, Foye is a leader both on the court and off. This year, as co-captain, he has helped new team members adjust by making sure they know what to do and by encouraging them to work harder. “On and off the court, he is a person that you want on your side, and I am grateful that I have him on mine,” postgraduate Tommy Mobley said.Senior JT Thompson, a longtime teammate of Foye’s, shared Mobley’s sentiments. He praised Foye’s leadership ability, along with the well-rounded skills that have earned Foye the respect of his teammates.“James is a natural born leader on and off the court,” Thompson said. “He plays the game the right way and leads by example. He is a role model in the classroom and on campus. After all, he is the ‘Perfect Exonian.’”Foye’s leadership stems from his own skill and his ability to motivate fellow teammates. “James is the type of teammate who believes in others, holds them to high expectations and encourages them to exceed those expectations. Those characteristics breed success,” senior Max Kirsch said.During games, Foye works well with his teammates and helps them with his individual performance. “His ability to make high pressure shots when we need them most sets him apart on the court,” postgraduate Robbie Purdy said.Throughout his Exeter career, Foye has guided the team with consistency on offense and defense. “I don’t think he gets enough credit for how well-rounded a basketball player he is,” Mobley said.Indeed, amidst his large collection of achievements and awards, Foye maintains his extremely humble character. Mobley elaborated on Foye’s ability to balance approachability with authority. “James is a noble guy. He is kind to everybody, but is also tough as nails. In practice, he plays with eager competitiveness combined with an unselfish nature,” he said.Foye sets high expectations for himself and finds strategies to improve his skill. “My lack of sheer athletic ability, as in jumping and speed, is one of my biggest weaknesses, and I have dealt with that by trying to be crafty on the court and outmaneuvering other, more athletic players.”His teammates admire his self-awareness and motivation to work as hard as possible. “He’s a great shooter and an underrated athlete who is very crafty at getting by his defender and finishing at the hoop,” Kirsch said. “He does an amazing job at opening his eyes to read passing lanes and anticipate action. This allows him to succeed against quicker players.”As his final season at Exeter kicks off, Foye hopes to enjoy the time he has left with his team members, many of whom he considers to be his best friends. “I hope the last year will be as great as the first two,” Foye said.Alongside Foye, the boys’ varsity basketball team is aiming for a successful season. “He has been an integral part of the team since his sophomore year. But as a captain this year, I bet he will have a breakout season,” Thompson said.Another member of the team, senior Perry DeLorenzo, has been with him since the start. “Being with James through the highs and lows of Exeter for three years, it will be bittersweet to part ways at the end of this year both on and off the basketball court,” DeLorenzo said.Foye wants to make the most of his last season at Exeter, and have fun while he’s at it. “In my final season at Exeter, I just want to enjoy the time I have left playing with my best friends, who are also my teammates. It’s been a hell of a ride playing at Exeter and I hope the last year will be as great as the first two,” he said.After Exeter, Foye will be attending and playing at Dartmouth College. He holds high hopes for his future with the sport, and his teammates agree. “I know as well as anyone he will continue the success he’s built here at Dartmouth in the years to come,” DeLorenzo said.