Senior Spotlight: Ken Foscaldo

For more than five decades, Ken Foscaldo has been an integral part of the Westwood community.

Ken’s journey with Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Basketball began 55 years ago when he was approached by neighborhood kids in West Roxbury (his hometown) to coach their team. Upon moving to Westwood with his wife Lois a few years later, Ken discovered the absence of a CYO Basketball program in town. He quickly assumed the role of Norfolk County Athletic Coordinator, and later became the Athletic Director for the Westwood Catholic Collaborative, consisting of St. Margaret Mary and St. Denis Parishes.

In those days, Westwood lacked a youth basketball program, prompting Ken to become one of the founders of the Westwood Basketball Association (WBA) as well.

Today, Westwood CYO Basketball boasts a roster of about 150 kids, spanning grades 5-12, both boys and girls. Ken emphasizes financial accessibility, ensuring that no child is excluded due to financial constraints. With minimal fees and scholarships available, the goal is to make basketball an inclusive sport for everyone who wants to play.

All coaches involved in the program are volunteers, and Ken is continuously on the lookout for additional mentors. His belief in developing kids beyond the game itself is evident: “We want kids to learn the skills and rules of the game, but most importantly, have fun.”

Despite the program’s growth, Ken remains committed to maintaining a sense of community and a personal touch. This season’s practices kicked off in November, with games starting in December and stretching through the end of February. The season culminates in the New England CYO Basketball Tournament held in Manchester, NH in March for qualifying teams.

Ken’s dedication to CYO Basketball goes beyond the court. His leadership has not only established a thriving youth basketball community in Westwood but has also instilled values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in generations of young athletes. And he couldn’t have done it without the support of his wife of nearly six decades, Lois.

Congratulations Ken, for being this month’s Senior Spotlight! If you would like to nominate a Westwood Senior Citizen to be featured in a future Senior Spotlight, please contact Westwood Living Content Coordinator, Diana Bezdedeanu, at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com