Shelly Foster is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and a descendant of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. She was named Bemidji Pioneer's Northwoods Athlete of the Year during her junior year in high school and was a formidable force to contend with in volleyball, basketball, and track.

Shelly walked on to the #1 nationally ranked Stanford University Volleyball team the spring of her freshman year and played two seasons for the Cardinals as a libero. She holds a 1994 NCAA Division 1 national championship ring and helped the Cardinals complete the 1995 season as semifinalists in the Final Four tournament held that year in Amherst, Massachusetts. 

Shelly was offered a full ride scholarship after her second year playing for Stanford, but due to the discovery of previous NCAA rules violations committed by Stanford, she had to end her collegiate volleyball career early.

Shelly believes in lifelong fitness and continues her athletic regimen via road cycling, swimming, and dancing. She also coaches youth volleyball from time to time when community needs arise.