Zach Edey’s Parents: Inside the Lives of Julia and Glen Edey

Introduction

In the world of college basketball, few names have generated as much buzz in recent years as Zach Edey. Towering at 7 feet 4 inches, the Canadian-born athlete has become a powerhouse on the court for the Purdue Boilermakers. But behind every great athlete lies a strong support system, and in Zach’s case, that begins with his parents. The story of Zach Edey’s rise is not only about physical dominance and refined skill but also about the unwavering love, guidance, and sacrifice of Julia and Glen Edey. As more fans become curious about his roots, it’s time to shine the spotlight on Zach Edey’s parents and explore how they helped shape one of the most exciting talents in modern college basketball.

Who Are Zach Edey’s Parents?

Zach Edey’s parents, Julia Edey and Glen Edey, are proud Canadians who have played a crucial role in nurturing their son’s incredible journey from Toronto to national stardom. While Zach may be the name that appears in headlines, his parents have always been the quiet champions behind the scenes. Julia and Glen both have athletic backgrounds and a strong commitment to family values, education, and personal development. Julia is of Chinese descent, making Zach biracial, and Glen has Canadian roots with a history of playing sports at the amateur level. Together, they form a team that emphasizes support over pressure—an approach that has allowed Zach to grow into the man and athlete he is today.

Julia Edey – The Devoted Mother Behind the Star

Julia Edey, Zach’s mother, is more than just a supportive parent—she’s become a beloved figure in college basketball circles for her dedication, strength, and unique charm. A first-generation Chinese-Canadian, Julia grew up in Toronto and pursued a career in mechanical engineering before later transitioning to beekeeping and gardening. What sets her apart is not just her resume but her personality and presence. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, she understood the physical and emotional challenges that come with being exceptionally tall. As Zach’s interest in basketball evolved, Julia shifted her focus entirely to supporting his ambitions.

Julia’s dedication went far beyond occasional attendance at games. She retired early to travel with Zach, arrange campus visits, and provide emotional reinforcement during every phase of his development. Her encouragement was never about pushing him toward basketball; in fact, Zach didn’t even begin playing the sport seriously until high school. Instead, she let him find his path while ensuring he had the tools and confidence to succeed. Julia’s viral moments at Purdue games—cheering from the stands, supporting other players, and even selling “Big Maple” T-shirts—have only added to her growing legend. In every way, Julia Edey represents the heart of Zach’s journey.

Glen Edey – A Quiet Force in Zach’s Life

On the other side of Zach’s parental foundation is Glen Edey, a man who may avoid the spotlight but whose influence is deeply etched in his son’s life. Glen is a former baseball and hockey player who later became a youth sports coach. Unlike Julia, Glen maintains a low media profile, but he has been instrumental in shaping Zach’s early athletic experiences. While he didn’t have the towering height of his wife or son, Glen made sure Zach understood the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience.

Glen’s approach to parenting was calm and consistent. He never forced sports on Zach but introduced him to a variety of physical activities, including baseball and hockey. It was only later that Zach found his way to basketball. Glen supported every shift in interest without complaint, always ensuring that his son had the space to explore his own identity. During games, Glen is often spotted quietly cheering from the sidelines, proud but never flashy. His stability has been a grounding force in Zach’s high-pressure career.

Parenting Style and Family Values

The parenting philosophy shared by Julia and Glen Edey is rooted in trust, self-discovery, and unconditional support. Rather than pushing their children toward sports or academics, they focused on creating a nurturing environment where passions could grow organically. This laid-back yet attentive style proved especially effective for Zach, who took an unconventional route into basketball.

The Edeys placed a high value on education and character, encouraging Zach to prioritize personal growth over instant success. Their parenting style gave him the emotional stability to navigate intense public scrutiny and high-stakes competition. Whether it was encouraging Zach to try new sports or supporting his eventual commitment to Purdue University, they were always more concerned with his happiness than his fame. Their story offers a valuable lesson in the power of mindful, balanced parenting—especially in the world of elite sports.

Life in Toronto – The Edey Household

A multicultural and community-focused household shaped Zach Edey’s early life in Toronto. Raised in the Leaside neighborhood, Zach grew up in a supportive family that celebrated both his Chinese and Canadian heritage. Julia brought the rich traditions of her background into the home, while Glen infused a sense of local identity and pride. This blend of cultures created a well-rounded upbringing that gave Zach a broad worldview and strong roots.

Zach wasn’t the only child in the family; he had a younger brother, Doug Edey, who is also involved in basketball. The siblings share a close bond, and their mutual interests have helped fuel each other’s growth. Growing up in Toronto—a city known for its diversity and vibrant youth sports scene—offered Zach access to a wide range of experiences that contributed to his maturity and drive. The values instilled in the Edey household laid the foundation for Zach’s calm demeanor and disciplined mindset.

Public Attention and Fan Interest in Julia and Glen

As Zach Edey’s fame has grown, so too has public curiosity about his parents—especially Julia. She has become something of a fan favorite at Purdue, known for her emotional game-time reactions and supportive interactions with fans and teammates. Social media has played a significant role in this, with videos and posts featuring Julia regularly going viral. Whether she’s helping serve team meals, attending every game, or proudly wearing custom-made Zach gear, her presence is both heartwarming and inspiring.

Glen, though less publicly visible, has earned respect for his dignified and reserved support. The Edeys have given fans a rare glimpse into what real, grounded family support looks like—one that isn’t driven by fame or fortune, but love and loyalty. Media outlets often highlight their bond as a refreshing contrast to the sometimes chaotic world of sports parenting.

Impact of Parental Support on Zach’s Success

It’s impossible to separate Zach Edey’s success from the unwavering support he’s received from Julia and Glen. Every significant step in his journey—switching from baseball to basketball, navigating recruiting offers, choosing Purdue, and adjusting to the pressures of college life—has been guided by their steady presence. Julia made the bold decision to retire early, ensuring that Zach would never lack support during his formative years. Glen’s athletic wisdom helped Zach develop a mental edge that many players struggle to find.

The sacrifices they made are significant: time, career shifts, financial investment, and emotional labor. But those sacrifices were never framed as burdens—instead, they were labors of love. Their involvement has shaped Zach’s character just as much as his game. He plays not just for himself, but as a product of the values his parents live by every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are Zach Edey’s parents?
Zach Edey’s parents are Julia Edey and Glen Edey, both of Canadian nationality, with Julia being of Chinese descent.

What is Julia Edey’s ethnicity?
Julia Edey is a first-generation Chinese-Canadian.

Are Zach Edey’s parents tall?
Yes, Julia is approximately 6’3″, and Glen is about 5’8″. Their height contributed genetically to Zach’s towering 7’4″ frame.

What do Glen and Julia Edey do for a living?
Julia was a mechanical engineer and later a beekeeper. Glen has been involved in youth coaching and sports.

Did they influence Zach’s sports career?
Yes, they provided emotional and logistical support while allowing Zach the freedom to choose his athletic path.

Conclusion

Zach Edey’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and late blooming, but at its core, it is a testament to the power of loving, supportive parents. Julia and Glen Edey may not have had a clear blueprint for raising a basketball phenom, but through trust, dedication, and quiet strength, they’ve helped build a foundation that any athlete would be lucky to have. As Zach continues to grow both on and off the court, his greatest asset remains the family that has stood behind him from the very beginning.

Do Read: How Old Is Gavin Casalegno? Age, Bio & Rising Stardom