Zach Edey is making waves in the world of basketball, and his impressive height, skill, and dedication have brought him into the spotlight as one of the most promising young athletes today. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters), Edey is the tallest player in Big Ten Conference history. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Edey played for the Purdue Boilermakers before catching the attention of the NBA, eventually joining the Memphis Grizzlies. While much of the attention focuses on Zach’s towering presence and athletic accomplishments, fans are also curious about the family behind him—his parents, Julia and Glen Edey. In this article, we’ll delve into the lives of Zach Edey’s parents, exploring their backgrounds, their influence on Zach, and the role they’ve played in shaping his path to success.
Profile Bio
| Full Name | Zachary Edey |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 14, 2002 |
| Age | 22 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters) |
| Position | Center |
| Current Team | Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) |
| College Team | Purdue Boilermakers |
| Parents | Glen Edey (father), Julia Edey (mother) |
| Mother’s Background | Mechanical Engineer, former basketball player |
| Father’s Background | Youth baseball coach, former athlete |
| Nickname | “The Big Maple” |
Zach Edey: From Baseball to Basketball Star
Before we dive into his family background, it’s worth understanding Zach Edey’s journey in sports. Born on May 14, 2002, in Toronto, Zach was initially involved in sports like baseball and hockey. Baseball, in particular, was a passion he shared with his father, Glen, who encouraged him to play from a young age. However, as Zach continued to grow, his height became a challenge for baseball. His impressive stature ultimately steered him towards basketball, where height was an advantage rather than a hindrance.
Zach began playing basketball with the Northern Kings, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team, during his time at Toronto’s Leaside High School. His talent quickly became evident, and he eventually moved to the United States to attend IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. There, he trained intensively and rapidly improved his skills. By the time he graduated, he had several offers from universities but ultimately chose to play for Purdue University. With the Boilermakers, he earned multiple accolades, including the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2023, solidifying his status as one of the top college players in the nation.
Zach Edey’s Parents: Julia and Glen Edey
Zach Edey’s success on the basketball court is undoubtedly tied to the support he’s received from his family. His parents, Julia and Glen Edey, have played significant roles in nurturing his growth, both as an athlete and as an individual. Though they keep a relatively low profile, their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of Zach’s life and career.
Julia Edey: Zach’s Strong and Supportive Mother
Julia Edey, Zach’s mother, has been a consistent and visible supporter of her son throughout his college basketball journey. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters), Julia herself has an athletic background and played basketball during her high school years. Her height and background in sports gave her an understanding of Zach’s unique challenges as a tall athlete, and she has been a guiding force throughout his career.
Julia is a mechanical engineer by profession, which reflects her disciplined and analytical mindset. Beyond her engineering career, she also has hobbies like gardening and beekeeping, which she enjoys with her family. Her presence at Zach’s games has become a constant, as she’s known for cheering him on passionately. Julia is also known for promoting her son’s image, sometimes handing out T-shirts with his nickname, “The Big Maple,” to fans in the stands. This nickname, a nod to Zach’s Canadian heritage and towering presence, has caught on among fans and demonstrates Julia’s commitment to helping her son build a supportive fanbase.
Zach often speaks about his mother’s influence, noting her encouragement and belief in him as pivotal to his development. Her involvement has extended beyond simply attending games; she’s been a hands-on supporter, helping him navigate the demands of collegiate and now professional sports. Julia’s dedication to her son’s career, both on and off the court, is a testament to the close bond they share.
Glen Edey: A Father’s Quiet Strength and Support
Glen Edey, Zach’s father, may not be as publicly visible as Julia, but his impact on Zach’s journey is equally significant. Glen’s athletic background includes a love for baseball, which he passed on to Zach in his early years. He even serves as an assistant coach at a local youth baseball league, showing his ongoing commitment to sports and mentorship. Though Zach ultimately shifted his focus to basketball, his father’s passion for sports laid the foundation for his athletic journey.
Glen is known for being quietly supportive, providing stability and encouragement behind the scenes. He shares many interests with his wife, including gardening and beekeeping, which are activities they enjoy as a family. His calm and reserved demeanor complements Julia’s more public support, creating a balanced environment for Zach to thrive.
Like Julia, Glen values privacy, keeping much of his personal life out of the public eye. However, those close to the family know that Glen is immensely proud of Zach’s accomplishments. He’s a consistent source of support, whether that’s cheering him on from the stands or offering quiet words of encouragement. Glen’s involvement in Zach’s life has fostered a strong father-son relationship built on mutual respect and a shared love for sports.
A Family Rooted in Canadian Culture and Values
The Edey family has deep roots in Canada, and Zach’s nationality and cultural background are central to his identity. His mother, Julia, is of Chinese descent, while his father, Glen, is Caucasian. Growing up in a multicultural city like Toronto, Zach was exposed to diverse perspectives and values, which shaped his approach to life and sports. His mixed heritage is something he’s proud of, and he often speaks warmly of his Canadian roots.
As a Canadian, Zach has represented his country on the international stage, playing for the Canadian national team in the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup held in Latvia. This experience not only added to his basketball résumé but also strengthened his connection to Canada. His parents’ support and pride in his accomplishments reflect their own commitment to fostering a strong family identity rooted in Canadian values.
How Zach Edey’s Parents Met
One detail that remains a mystery to the public is the story of how Julia and Glen met. Both parents have chosen to keep their romantic history private, avoiding any public discussion about their relationship’s early years. However, given that Zach was born in 2002 and is currently 22 years old, it’s clear that Julia and Glen have been together for over two decades, building a strong and supportive family unit.
The Edeys’ decision to maintain a low profile reflects their values; they prioritize their family’s privacy and well-being over public attention. Their close-knit family dynamic has been instrumental in Zach’s success, providing him with a stable and nurturing environment.
The Influence of Zach Edey’s Parents on His Career
Julia and Glen have been involved in every stage of Zach’s basketball journey, from his days in youth sports to his decision to join the Purdue Boilermakers. Julia’s proactive support and Glen’s quiet encouragement have given Zach the confidence to pursue his goals, even when faced with challenges. Their combined influence has instilled in him a strong work ethic, resilience, and humility—qualities that have helped him excel in a competitive field.
While many fans know Zach for his achievements on the court, his parents’ role in shaping his character and supporting his career cannot be understated. Julia and Glen’s unwavering belief in Zach has been a driving force in his rise as an elite basketball player.
Zach Edey Today
As Zach Edey steps into the next chapter of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, his family remains his strongest support system. Despite the fame and the new challenges of professional basketball, Zach remains grounded, thanks to the values and lessons imparted by his parents. Julia and Glen continue to cheer him on, celebrating his achievements while providing a steady foundation as he navigates his career.
Conclusion
Zach Edey’s rise to fame is not just the story of a talented athlete; it’s also a story of a supportive family. His parents, Julia and Glen, have been instrumental in his journey, providing the guidance, support, and love that have helped him become the player and person he is today. As Zach continues to make his mark in the NBA, Julia and Glen will undoubtedly remain by his side, cheering him on and reminding him of the values that have brought him this far.
FAQs
Who are Zach Edey’s parents?
Zach Edey’s parents are Julia Edey and Glen Edey.
What nationality are Zach Edey’s parents?
Julia and Glen Edey are Canadian. Julia is of Chinese descent, while Glen is Caucasian.
Where is Zach Edey from?
Zach Edey is from Toronto, Canada.
What position does Zach Edey play?
Zach Edey plays as a center in basketball.
Does Zach Edey have a girlfriend?
As of the latest available information, Zach Edey has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship.
