Steven Foulks played a selfless style of soccer that has not only stood the test of time, but also proved to be worthy indicator of the type of person he would come to be. A soccer and hockey star at Madison West High School, Steven helped keep the Madison College men’s soccer program relevant on a regional and national scale.
The 2003 WolfPack soccer team featured a roster of 21 brand new players and the return of a former coach looking for someone to step up as a leader. Steven, who had been out of the game and out of school for the past five years, proved to be that person and more, serving as a team captain and leading Madison College to a 10-1-3 record in the regular season, which included an undefeated run to a sixth-consecutive Wisconsin Technical College Conference championship. In addition to claiming a WJCAA State Championship, Steven and the WolfPack found themselves in the Region 13 title match against in-state rival Milwaukee Area Technical College. Tied 1-1 in overtime, the midfielder sent the WolfPack to victory with an OT golden goal. Then at the NJCAA District Championship, Steven netted his fourth postseason goal to stake #14-ranked Madison to an early 1-0 lead over perennial power Richland College. However, it was not enough in a 5-1 loss one game shy of the national tournament.
Steven led team with 11 goals and 11 assists, earning all-conference, all-state, and all-region accolades, as well as becoming just the second player in program history to receive NJCAA All-American recognition with a second team selection.
Steven’s selfless play really shown through during his sophomore season, which turned into an up-and-down year for the WolfPack. The second-year captain helped Madison College persevere through some tough times to finish 11-8. He ended the year with a team-best 12 assists and added five goals. Steven was rewarded with repeat honors of all-conference, all-state, and all-region.
Over his two years in a WolfPack kit, Steven led his team to a combined record of 24-10-3 and three championships. And more than 20 years later, he still holds the program’s all-time record for assists with 23, while also sitting seventh with 55 total points and tied for 15th in career goals with 16.
“Steven Foulks will be forever remembered as the All-Everything All-American Soccer Midfielder Extraordinaire,” claimed former Madison College Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jeff Richardson. “He attacked and defended with equal determination and a creative drive that led his team with zeal and charisma, while leaving opponents perplexed. His stinging shots left goalies hands throbbing and game balls wrapped around the goal to add an exclamation to his amazing finishes. If ever there was a player that possessed a game-winning attitude to make a coach smile, opponents tremble, and teammates proud: it was Steven Foulks.”
Steven’s selfless nature lent itself perfectly to his career choice to become an everyday hero. He has spent the past decade as a firefighter in his hometown of Madison, where he still lives with his wife, Katie. His love for competition and exercise is fostered these days through hockey and biking.
When asked about his time at Madison College, Steven said,
”After a five-year break from soccer following high school, Madison College gave me the chance to compete at a high level again. That opportunity re-ignited my passion for the sport and set the foundation for the next 20-plus years of my soccer career.”
