The former Silver Fern will join the Southern Steel campaign next year as Robyn Broughton's assistant coach.
The 38-year-old replaces dual netball and basketball international Donna Wilkins in the role.
Wilkins, who is expecting her first child in December, has decided to lace up her bib and play again next year.
Foster, who played 14 tests for her country in the mid 1990s, is an experienced coach.
She coached the Canterbury Flames in 2000, and from 2002-2007.
In the gap year (2001), she made a return to the court and played for the Flames.
Foster was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, 2006, but decided to remain coaching, a decision she now says was a mistake.
She took last year off and has been through chemotherapy treatment.
She was given a clean bill of health two months ago and that has given her the confidence to get back into the game she loves.
"I've just come back from being given the thumbs-up so I'm thinking this is fantastic," she said.
"When you have had a scare like cancer and have come through the other side, you just look at life a bit differently. So when this opportunity presented itself, it just felt right.
"And the chance to work with Robyn Broughton, whom I hold in such high regard, made it a no-brainer really.
"I consider her to be one of the best coaches we've got. Her track record speaks for itself.
"We seem to be on the same wavelength and so it will be really awesome to contribute and add value to that environment."
Foster, who was born in Napier but counts herself as a true-blue Cantabrian, is based in Christchurch and said she had not decided whether she would travel or base herself in Invercargill during the season.
"Whatever suits the team and the group is what I'll be doing."
Foster helped the Flames reach three national finals.
However, her side had to settle for second prize, with the Broughton-led Sting (the Steel's predecessor) grabbing all the glory.
Foster is philosophical about that these days.
"If you can't beat them you can always join them," she quipped.
While some critics might consider her new role a step backwards, Foster does not see it that way.
Instead, she views it as an opportunity to ease her way back into coaching and learn what she can from Broughton.
Southern Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said Foster's appointment was exciting for the team.
"I'm really happy that were going to have someone with such great skills and experience to support Robyn in her role," she said.
"The assistant coach is an integral part of the team, especially given the demands of the ANZ Championship."
Meanwhile, tickets to see the Silver Ferns play England in Dunedin next week are selling fast despite costing more than $50.
Some eyebrows were raised when Netball New Zealand set the average ticket price at $55.
But yesterday morning only 500 seats remained.
The Lion Foundation Arena has a capacity of 2888 for a televised match and, with a week left to sell the remaining tickets, the venue should be full for the city's first netball international in 10 years.
