Introduction
Zach Edey has quickly risen from being a towering presence in college basketball at Purdue University to one of the most promising rookies in the NBA. At over 7 feet tall and boasting back-to-back AP National Player of the Year titles, Edey has captivated fans with his skill, poise, and work ethic. But behind this meteoric rise lies the steady, nurturing influence of a remarkable support system: his parents. While headlines often focus on Zach’s size and stats, a deeper look into his life reveals a story powered by values, culture, and unwavering family support. In this article, we delve into the lives of Zach Edey’s parents, Julia and Glen Edey — the duo who laid the foundation for one of basketball’s most humble giants.
Who Are Zach Edey’s Parents?
Julia Edey – The Towering Matriarch
Julia Edey is more than just Zach’s mom — she’s become something of a public figure in her own right. A first-generation Chinese-Canadian born and raised in Toronto, Julia brings both intellect and athleticism to the table. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches tall, she was a competitive athlete herself, excelling in basketball and track during her youth. Later, she pursued a successful career as a mechanical engineer — a field that was still heavily male-dominated — showcasing not just physical strength but also mental resilience and brilliance.
Her influence on Zach’s development goes far beyond genetics. Known for her warmth, volunteerism, and unwavering support, Julia became a fixture at Purdue games, often seen proudly wearing “Big Maple” merchandise — a nickname she helped popularize for Zach. She wasn’t just in the stands cheering; she was an active member of the basketball community, hosting team dinners and welcoming players with motherly care. Her presence in Zach’s life has been instrumental not only in guiding his career but also in helping him stay grounded.
Glen Edey – The Quiet Supporter
On the other side of Zach’s foundation is Glen Edey, a man who’s happy to stay out of the spotlight but has played a vital role in his son’s development. A Canadian of European descent, Glen is known for his low-profile demeanor and quiet strength. Like Julia, he was also athletic in his youth, with a love for baseball and hockey. His understanding of sports and the demands of competition allowed him to guide Zach through early sporting decisions with wisdom and patience.
Glen’s contribution may not be as publicly visible as Julia’s, but within the Edey household, he’s the steady rock. From helping Zach transition from baseball to basketball to emphasizing humility and work ethic, Glen has ensured his son never loses sight of what truly matters — staying grounded, focused, and respectful, no matter how bright the spotlight becomes.
Cultural Roots and Family Values
One of the most influential elements in Zach Edey’s upbringing is the multicultural environment in which he was raised. With a Chinese mother and a Canadian father, Zach grew up in a household where two rich cultural backgrounds merged to create a nurturing and balanced environment. The Edey household emphasized discipline, respect, and education — values deeply embedded in both Chinese and Canadian traditions.
This blend of cultures also brought a broader perspective to Zach’s life. He learned early on that success is not just measured by performance but by character and integrity. His parents ensured that he understood the importance of humility, regardless of the accolades. Whether it was studying hard, volunteering, or simply being kind to teammates, Julia and Glen instilled in Zach the kind of values that not only made him a great athlete but a well-rounded human being.
Athletic DNA: A Family of Sports Enthusiasts
It’s no coincidence that Zach has excelled in sports. Both of his parents were athletes, and their passion for physical activity was passed on to him and his younger brother. While Glen introduced Zach to hockey and baseball — two staples of Canadian youth sports — it was Julia’s experience as a basketball player that eventually aligned most with Zach’s future.
Interestingly, Zach didn’t play organized basketball until high school. He was initially more focused on baseball, specifically as a pitcher. However, his unusual height and coordination soon drew the attention of basketball coaches, and his parents fully supported this transition. The combination of Julia’s basketball background and Glen’s love for team sports created the perfect environment for Zach to thrive.
Their understanding of what it takes to succeed — discipline, sacrifice, and balance — gave Zach a head start many young athletes never get. And while his height certainly gave him a physical edge, it was the mindset shaped by his parents that allowed him to convert potential into performance.
Julia Edey’s Public Role and Popularity
Among Purdue fans and the broader basketball community, Julia Edey became something of a celebrity in her own right. Known for her upbeat energy, towering presence, and kind demeanor, she quickly captured the hearts of fans. From being featured on the jumbotron to giving out hugs after games, Julia embraced her role with authenticity and grace.
She even took the initiative to create “Big Maple” merchandise, turning her son’s nickname into a brand that brought fans closer to Zach and the Edey family story. Her visibility also opened up broader conversations about the importance of supportive parents in athletics, especially mothers who often juggle multiple roles behind the scenes.
Beyond the public eye, Julia is a generous volunteer who has supported both her son’s team and local causes. She’s hosted team dinners, helped players with laundry, and always ensured that Purdue’s basketball team felt like family. That maternal energy has had a lasting impact not only on Zach but on every player who has come through the program during his tenure.
Behind the Scenes: Parenting Strategies That Worked
What makes the Edeys stand out isn’t just their presence — it’s how they parented. Julia and Glen were never pushy or overbearing. Instead, they encouraged exploration and self-direction. Zach was allowed to try different sports, discover his strengths, and make his own choices. When he chose to switch from baseball to basketball, they didn’t push back — they supported him fully.
They also emphasized academics and character as much as athletics. Julia made sure Zach always had home-cooked meals and a clean home environment, while Glen maintained routines that emphasized responsibility and discipline. Their parenting style struck a balance between structure and freedom, giving Zach the space to grow while also providing the guardrails to stay focused.
Influence on Zach Edey’s Career and Mental Toughness
One of the most notable things about Zach Edey is his composure. Whether in a nail-biting NCAA tournament game or facing pressure in an NBA draft interview, Zach rarely looks rattled. That emotional maturity is no accident — it’s the result of years of stable, thoughtful parenting.
Julia and Glen traveled extensively to support Zach, even relocating to be closer during his time at Purdue. They made sacrifices quietly, without seeking credit. They were also instrumental in helping him deal with fame and media scrutiny, reminding him that success is fleeting, but values endure.
This mental toughness, reinforced at home, has helped Zach handle pressure situations, injuries, and the massive expectations that come with being one of the tallest and most recognizable athletes in the sport today.
Sibling Spotlight: The Edey Family Beyond Zach
While Zach may be the most famous name in the Edey household, he’s not the only one influenced by his parents’ strong values. The Edeys have another son, Doug, who also participates in sports and benefits from the same nurturing and supportive environment.
The strong family bond between siblings reflects the home values established by Julia and Glen. Whether it’s helping each other with school, training together, or simply sharing laughs, the Edey family culture is one of mutual respect and encouragement. It wouldn’t be surprising if Doug also follows in his brother’s athletic footsteps.
Conclusion
Behind every great athlete is a foundation built on values, sacrifice, and support — and Zach Edey’s parents epitomize that truth. Julia and Glen Edey are more than just proud parents in the stands; they are architects of character, champions of culture, and builders of one of basketball’s most grounded rising stars. From early childhood lessons to game-day encouragement and everything in between, the Edeys have shown what it truly means to support a dream. Their story reminds us that success isn’t just about raw talent — it’s also about the people who help you believe in yourself long before the world ever notices.
