For as long as Jarrey Foster can remember, he’s wanted to play basketball for the NBA.
Foster was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and later traveled North to attend Dallas’ Southern Methodist University on a full athletic scholarship. There, he obtained a degree in Applied Physiology and Sports Management while representing the Mustangs with No. 10 on the court.
Post-grad, Foster was confident he was set to make it professionally—and he knew he wanted to play for the rest of his life. But that was quickly cut short when a cluster of injuries brought his career to a halt.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved the feeling of a basketball in my hands and the sound of the ball as it swishes through the net. To me, playing basketball was always more than a passion—it was a literal dream in the making,” Foster says. “So what do you do when your whole world shifts, and that dream is taken?”
Jarrey Foster was a shooting guard for SMU. [Photo: Courtesy One Zero]
In all, Foster suffered a number of back injuries and six different left knee injuries, one of them ending his days playing basketball. Though he was a predicted NBA lottery pick, he says he knew he had to fulfill a purpose to inspire others on their wellness journeys.
So he became an entrepreneur.
“Being disciplined in my physical and mental wellness is what pushed me through that major life change,” he says. “Now I am here to help you sync your mind, body, and soul that you are beating the odds and functioning to the best of your ability.”
Foster teamed up with Andrew Gautreaux, the CEO of Legacy Exploration LLC and fellow SMU alumnus, to launch One Zero, a brand and apparel line that aims to foster a relationship between wellness and performance.
“During the final game of my career at SMU, Andrew saw me smile after missing an easy dunk,” Foster said in a statement. “He told me after the game that he understood why I didn’t stress in that moment over something I couldn’t control, and I knew from that point on we were going to get along well.”
One Zero Athletics’ leadership team includes: Jarrey Foster, CEO; Andrew Gautreaux, COO; and Arynn Johnson, Director of Operations. [Photo: Courtesy One Zero]
The purpose-driven clothing line spreads knowledge about how mental and physical wellness can work hand in hand. Foster and Gautreaux want to initiate conversations around overall health and how it can affect each of us individually and collectively.
“I am excited to use One zero in a variety of ways, but most importantly I hope the brand will shine a light on mental health awareness and remove the stigma that is carried with it,” Foster says. “My story was heavily shaped by anxiety and depression during my basketball career, so I feel One Zero can represent all who are willing to speak about their own mental health.”
Gautreaux, which Foster lauds as a mentor, is the COO of One Zero. He previously co-founded an independent oil and gas company in 2011, sold his interest in that company, and went on to launch Dallas-based upstream oil and gas company Legacy Exploration.
Professionally, his goals are to drill, service, and develop low-cost, high return, oil and gas wells to provide the highest possible returns for his investment partners.
“I understand how demanding college and professional sports can be and I have seen Jarrey persevere and prevail through the most devastating injuries,” Gautreaux said in a statement. “Jarrey is a champion of people who are having their own struggles and through the One Zero brand, Jarrey is bringing mental health awareness to the forefront.”
One Zero’s first collection is available online now. Foster hopes it will show he has a new story to tell.
“Our first collection includes short and long sleeve unisex tee shirts,” he said. “Our designs are tailored toward bringing awareness to our name and our goal to inspire others to overcome challenges and strive toward a balance in mental, physical, and emotional health.”
[Photo: Courtesy One Zero]
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