The Unconventional Roots: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Zach Edey's Parents, Julia And Glen Edey
The towering presence of Zach Edey on the basketball court—a 7-foot-4 center who dominated college basketball and became a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft—has made him a household name. As of this writing in late 2025, his transition to the professional ranks with the Memphis Grizzlies is one of the most compelling stories in the league, but behind every superstar is a foundation of unwavering support. That foundation is built by his parents, Julia and Glen Edey, whose diverse backgrounds and unconventional paths played a critical role in shaping the Canadian phenomenon. Their story is a powerful testament to dedication, blending engineering, beekeeping, and coaching into a unique family environment that fostered a two-time National Player of the Year.
The Edey family's roots are a fascinating tapestry of cultures and careers, with Julia Edey's Chinese Canadian heritage and professional drive complementing Glen Edey's supportive role in youth sports. Their collective focus on hard work and grounded living provided the essential stability that allowed Zach to navigate the pressures of being an elite athlete. Understanding their journey offers a fresh perspective on the man who is now one of the most recognizable figures in Canadian basketball history.
Zach Edey: A Biographical Profile
Before diving into the fascinating lives of his parents, it's essential to understand the magnitude of Zach Edey's own career, which has brought his family into the international spotlight. His biography is marked by rapid development and historic achievement in the NCAA.
- Full Name: Zachary Cheyne Edey
- Date of Birth: May 14, 2002
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
- Weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- High School: Leaside High School (Toronto), IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
- College: Purdue University (2020–2024)
- Position: Center
- Key College Achievements: Two-time Naismith College Player of the Year (2023, 2024), Two-time Consensus First-Team All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year (2023, 2024). He finished his collegiate career as the third-highest scorer and second-leading rebounder in Big Ten history.
- NBA Draft: Selected 9th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft.
- Sibling: Brother, Doug Edey, who also played basketball at Leaside High School.
1. Julia Edey’s Unconventional Path from Mechanical Engineer to Beekeeper
One of the most striking details about Zach Edey’s mother, Julia Edey, is the sheer diversity of her professional and personal life. She is far from the typical sports parent, possessing a background that speaks volumes about her intelligence and commitment to unconventional pursuits.
A First-Generation Chinese Canadian Engineer
Julia Edey was born in Toronto to Chinese immigrants, making her a first-generation Chinese Canadian. This diverse heritage is a significant, yet often overlooked, part of Zach Edey's family story. Professionally, Julia is a mechanical engineer, a demanding and highly technical field. This engineering background hints at a methodical, problem-solving mindset—qualities that undoubtedly influenced her approach to supporting her son's complex athletic career.
The Basketball and Beekeeping Connection
Adding to her intriguing profile, Julia Edey is also a former basketball player herself. While she couldn't pursue a professional career due to financial constraints, her personal experience with the sport gives her a unique perspective on Zach's journey. Beyond the court and the office, she maintains a fascinating hobby: beekeeping. This commitment to a hands-on, meticulous activity like beekeeping, alongside her engineering career, paints a picture of a woman who values both intellectual rigor and connection to nature. Glen Edey is known to assist her with these gardening and beekeeping activities, highlighting a true partnership in their family life.
2. Glen Edey’s Role as a Supportive Youth Coach and Gardening Partner
Zach Edey’s father, Glen Edey, provides a steady, supportive presence for the family. While his professional background is less frequently highlighted than Julia’s, his involvement in youth sports and his dedication to his wife’s passions are key components of the Edey family dynamic.
Involved in Youth Sports
Glen Edey has a history of involvement in sports, having played various sports during his high school and college years. This athletic background connects him to Zach’s world. Currently, Glen works as an assistant coach for a youth baseball league. This role demonstrates a commitment to nurturing young talent and providing guidance, skills he has clearly applied to his son's development. His presence on the sidelines is a consistent source of encouragement for Zach.
The Power of Unwavering Presence
While Julia is often seen at Purdue Boilermakers games, the combined support from both parents has been crucial. They have provided the emotional and logistical stability necessary for Zach to transition from a relatively late starter in basketball to a dominant college player. Their support is often cited as the "feel-good story" behind the March Madness success of the Boilermakers.
3. The Family’s Canadian Roots and Diverse Ethnic Background
The Edey family is proudly Canadian, with both Julia and Glen sharing Canadian nationality. However, their ethnic backgrounds are distinct, adding a layer of cultural richness to their story.
A Blend of Cultures
Zach Edey’s mother, Julia, is of Chinese descent, born to immigrants in Toronto. This makes Zach Edey a prominent athlete with Chinese Canadian heritage, a detail that resonates with many fans. Glen Edey was also raised in Canada, and the family’s roots in Toronto, particularly in the Leaside community where Zach and his brother Doug attended high school, have kept them grounded despite the international fame.
A Shared Athletic Foundation
Both parents have an athletic history, which helped them understand the demands of Zach’s career. They have been instrumental in providing him with guidance and support from the moment he first picked up a basketball. This shared understanding of the athletic commitment has been a cornerstone of their parenting philosophy, ensuring Zach remained focused on his goals at Purdue and beyond, ultimately leading to his selection by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Draft.
4. The Crucial Role in Zach’s Late Development and "Boom"
Zach Edey’s journey to basketball stardom was not typical. He did not start playing basketball until his high school years, a very late start for an elite athlete. His parents' ability to recognize his potential and facilitate his development was essential to his success.
The Move to IMG Academy
To accelerate his development, the Edey family made the significant decision to send Zach to IMG Academy in Florida, a top-tier sports preparatory school. This move was a major commitment, requiring not just financial resources but also a willingness to separate the family unit. This decision proved pivotal, as it placed Zach in an environment where his 7'4" frame and raw talent could be rapidly refined, setting him on the path to becoming a Purdue Boilermaker star.
Focus on Fundamentals and Support
The Edeys ensured that despite the intense focus on basketball, Zach remained a well-rounded individual. Julia’s background as a mechanical engineer and Glen’s steady presence as a coach provided a balanced perspective, prioritizing his education and well-being alongside his athletic career. Their support during the highs and lows of his career, especially during the emotional March Madness runs, has been consistently highlighted by sports commentators.
5. The Family's Continued Visibility and Public Support
Even as Zach Edey transitions to the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, his parents remain a visible and vocal part of his life. Their presence at games and in interviews provides a humanizing element to the towering superstar.
Julia Edey: The Face of Support
Julia Edey has become particularly well-known for her enthusiastic attendance at Purdue games, often seen in the stands passionately cheering on her son. Her dedication is a symbol of the entire family's commitment. She has spoken publicly about the importance of offering unwavering support, regardless of the criticism or pressure Zach faces as a high-profile athlete.
A Legacy of Hard Work
The story of Julia and Glen Edey is ultimately one of hard work, diverse interests, and dedicated parenting. From a mechanical engineer and beekeeper to a youth baseball coach, they represent the strong, grounded foundation that has enabled their son to achieve historic success in college basketball and begin a promising career in the NBA. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that the most compelling stories in sports often begin with the people who raised the athlete.
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