Zach Edey Parents: The Supportive Pillars Behind the Basketball Star

Zach Edey, the towering 7-foot-4 Canadian basketball sensation, has made headlines for his incredible talent on the court. From dominating college basketball at Purdue University to being drafted into the NBA, Edey’s journey is inspiring. But behind his success lies a story of unwavering support and dedication—primarily from his parents, Julia and Glen Edey. In this comprehensive article, we explore everything you need to know about Zach Edey’s parents, their background, their influence on his career, and their vital role in shaping his rise to stardom.

Who Are Zach Edey’s Parents?

Zach Edey was born to Julia Edey and Glen Edey on May 14, 2002, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Coming from a mixed ethnic background, Zach grew up in a household that valued education, sports, and perseverance.

• Mother: Julia Edey (Chinese-Canadian)
• Father: Glen Edey (Caucasian-Canadian)

Despite not being household names, Julia and Glen Edey have captured attention through their dedication to their son’s academic and athletic development.

Julia Edey: The Towering Matriarch and Zach’s Biggest Fan

Early Life and Career

Julia Edey is a first-generation Chinese Canadian, born and raised in Toronto. Professionally, she built a career as a mechanical engineer and even taught nuclear theory before retiring to focus on supporting her son. Julia stands 6 feet 3 inches, and her athletic background in basketball, baseball, and track and field laid the groundwork for Zach’s physical capabilities.

A Full-Time Sports Mom

When Zach began to show promise in basketball, Julia became his most dedicated supporter. She drove him to basketball camps across North America and researched elite training opportunities. Julia even retired from her engineering job when Zach was in his freshman year at Purdue, showing her commitment to his journey.

Public Presence and Community Involvement

Julia has become a celebrity herself among Purdue fans. Known for her enthusiastic support, she created “Big Maple” merchandise, a nod to Zach’s Canadian heritage. She also hosted team dinners, volunteered at events, and made herself a friendly, maternal figure within the Purdue basketball community.

“She’s the type of mom who will drop everything to be there for Zach, whether it’s a regular game or the NCAA Final Four,” a Purdue fan once commented on social media.

Glen Edey: The Quiet Strength Behind the Scenes

Athletic Background and Influence

While Glen Edey keeps a lower public profile than Julia, his contribution is no less significant. Glen was an athlete in his youth, playing ice hockey and baseball, and helped instill a love for sports in Zach. His height (reportedly around 6 feet 2 inches) and athletic genes also played a role in Zach’s natural gifts.

Supportive Fatherhood

Though not as publicly visible, Glen has been a pillar of emotional and logistical support. He has attended many of Zach’s games and is known to be deeply proud of his son’s accomplishments. Glen’s calm demeanor balances Julia’s high-energy approach, creating a stable and supportive home environment.

The Edey Family Dynamic: A Strong Foundation for Success

Diverse Cultural Influence

Growing up in a multi-ethnic household, Zach benefited from the cultural richness of his Chinese and Canadian roots. This blend of perspectives helped shape his discipline, humility, and resilience.

• Chinese values emphasized education, respect, and structure.
• Canadian upbringing encouraged inclusivity, hard work, and team spirit.

Emphasis on Education and Balance

Despite Zach’s rise in basketball, his parents never allowed academics to take a back seat. Julia and Glen insisted on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, encouraging Zach to excel in the classroom as much as on the court.

At Purdue, Zach majored in Organizational Leadership and maintained a solid GPA. He earned praise for his work ethic and time management skills, which his parents instilled.

Parenting a Giant: Unique Challenges and Triumphs

Raising a child who would eventually grow to 7 feet 4 inches came with challenges. Julia and Glen had to navigate a world not built for someone of Zach’s size—finding clothes, fitting in cars, or dealing with public stares.

But instead of treating his height as a burden, the Edeys taught Zach to embrace it as a blessing. This shift in mindset helped him grow confident, grounded, and goal-oriented.

“They taught me to be proud of who I am and never shy away from being different,” Zach said in an interview with People Magazine.

From Baseball to Basketball: Parental Guidance in Career Shifts

Interestingly, Zach did not start as a basketball prodigy. He initially played baseball and hockey, only transitioning to basketball in his sophomore year of high school due to shoulder strain issues in baseball.

Julia and Glen supported the switch wholeheartedly, recognizing his potential in basketball. They quickly immersed themselves in learning the sport and identifying elite coaches and training academies, ultimately enrolling him in IMG Academy in Florida—one of the top athletic prep schools in the U.S.

How Zach Edey’s Parents Continue to Support Him Today

During College Basketball

While at Purdue, Julia and Glen traveled frequently to attend games. Julia became known for handmade signs and team snacks, often appearing on national TV broadcasts. While more reserved, Glen remained a steady and encouraging figure in Zach’s life.

NBA Draft and Beyond

After his standout college performance, Zach Edey declared for the NBA Draft, and his parents were right there by his side. They guided him through media appearances, contract negotiations, and relocation logistics, ensuring he stayed focused and stress-free.

Now that he’s in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, the support continues—albeit from a bit more distance. Julia and Glen still travel to games when possible and maintain constant communication to keep Zach grounded in his values.

The Internet Reacts: Fans Adore Julia and Glen Edey

Zach Edey’s parents have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From TikTok tributes to Reddit discussions, many admire the Edeys’ humble nature and strong family values.

Here are some fan reactions:

• “Julia Edey is a national treasure. Every team needs a mom like her.”
• “You can tell Zach was raised right. Shoutout to his parents for doing an amazing job.”
• “Their commitment to Zach’s growth is inspiring—not every parent is willing to give up so much for their child’s dream.”

Final Thoughts: Zach Edey’s Parents Are Unsung Heroes

While Zach Edey’s physical talent and determination are undeniable, much of his success can be credited to the unshakable foundation provided by Julia and Glen Edey. From early morning practices to cross-country moves, academic coaching to emotional support, his parents have been the ultimate teammates.

In a world where professional athletes often face instability or media drama, Zach Edey stands out for his skill and character, which start at home.

The story of Zach Edey’s parents is a powerful reminder that behind every star athlete is often a team of quiet champions. In Julia and Glen Edey, we see what it truly means to be supportive, present, and unwavering in pursuing a child’s dream.

FAQs About Zach Edey Parents

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