Zach Edey is one of the most talked-about names in college basketball, standing at a towering height and dominating the court for Purdue University. But behind his success is a strong family foundation, led by his mom and dad. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into who Zach Edey’s parents are, where they come from, what they do, and how they played a crucial role in shaping his basketball career.
Zach Edey’s Family – Who Are They?
Zach Edey was born on May 14, 2002, in Toronto, Canada, to a supportive family that encouraged his dreams from a young age. While fans know Zach for his size and skills, his family is known for being humble, hardworking, and closely knit. His parents have always valued education, sportsmanship, and discipline — values that helped Zach balance academics with athletics.
Growing up, Zach didn’t start out aiming to be a basketball star. In fact, his first love was baseball, and he even played ice hockey in his early years. But as his height quickly became impossible to ignore, his parents encouraged him to give basketball a try. That decision would change his life forever.
Zach Edey’s Mom – Who Is She?
Zach’s mother is Julia Edey, a remarkable woman who played a huge role in his upbringing. Julia is known not just for being a supportive mom but also for her own athletic background. Standing over six feet tall, she understands the unique challenges and advantages that come with exceptional height.
Julia attended college in Canada, where she played basketball herself. This firsthand experience made her the perfect mentor for her son when he transitioned into the sport. She often traveled with Zach for games, practices, and tournaments, especially during his early high school years when exposure to scouts was crucial.
Many fans admire Julia for her approachable personality — she’s been spotted in stands cheering loudly for her son, smiling for photos, and chatting with other parents. Her support has been both emotional and practical, as she helped guide Zach through the pressures of recruitment and the demands of competitive sports.
What Does Zach Edey’s Dad Do?
Zach’s father, Glen Edey, plays an equally important role in his life, though he tends to stay more out of the public spotlight compared to Julia. Glen is known for being a calm, steady presence — the kind of dad who offers quiet advice rather than the loudest cheer.
While Glen’s exact profession isn’t widely publicized, he has been described as someone who values discipline and consistency. He instilled in Zach the importance of hard work, not just in sports but in life in general. Glen often handled the behind-the-scenes logistics of Zach’s sports career, such as travel arrangements, training schedules, and making sure his son stayed focused on schoolwork.
Zach Edey’s Father Name
For fans who might be searching for it, Zach Edey’s father’s name is Glen Edey. He keeps a low profile but is deeply involved in his son’s journey.
Is His Dad an Athlete Too?
While Glen may not have the same high-profile athletic background as Julia, he is believed to have been active in sports in his younger years. Even if he didn’t compete at a professional or college level, he encouraged physical activity and understood the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
What Zach Says About His Dad
Zach often speaks highly of his father, crediting him with teaching him mental toughness. In interviews, he’s mentioned that his dad was the one who taught him how to stay composed under pressure — a skill that’s been essential for playing in high-stakes games in front of thousands of fans.
Where Are Zach Edey’s Parents From?
Both of Zach’s parents are from Canada, and Zach himself was born and raised in Toronto. The family’s Canadian roots are important to them, and Zach has spoken proudly about representing his home country. Despite moving to the U.S. to play basketball at a higher competitive level, he continues to embrace his Canadian identity.
What Do Zach Edey’s Parents Do for Work?
Julia Edey has been involved in various professional and community roles over the years, balancing her career with being a full-time sports mom. Glen’s professional background has been less publicized, but it’s clear that both parents prioritize family over everything else.
In addition to their jobs, they’ve dedicated countless hours to supporting Zach’s athletic career — from driving him to practices across the city to attending games across different states.
Did Zach’s Parents Play Sports Too?
Mom Was a College Athlete
Julia’s athletic career in college basketball gave her unique insight into what it takes to excel in the sport. She understood the demands of training, the importance of teamwork, and the mental resilience needed to face tough competition.
Sports in the Family
Sports are a recurring theme in the Edey household. Even though Glen may not have played at a high level, both parents encouraged their children to participate in multiple sports growing up. This multi-sport approach helped Zach develop coordination, agility, and a competitive mindset before he specialized in basketball.
How Tall Are Zach Edey’s Parents?
Height clearly runs in the family. Julia stands over 6 feet tall, while Glen is also above average height, contributing to Zach’s extraordinary 7’4” frame. Genetics, combined with proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, gave Zach the physical foundation to succeed in basketball.
How Zach’s Parents Helped His Basketball Career
From the very start, Zach’s parents were there to guide him through every stage of his basketball journey. They helped him transition from baseball and hockey to basketball, supported him during grueling training schedules, and encouraged him to keep improving even when the road was tough.
They were also instrumental in his decision to attend IMG Academy in Florida — a move that gave him exposure to elite competition and NCAA recruiters. Without their emotional and logistical support, Zach’s rise to basketball stardom would have been far more challenging.
The Bottom Line
Zach Edey’s parents, Julia and Glen Edey, are more than just the mom and dad of a basketball star — they are his mentors, role models, and biggest supporters. Their Canadian roots, athletic background, and dedication to family shaped Zach into not just an elite athlete, but a grounded and focused young man. Whether in the stands or behind the scenes, Julia and Glen continue to play a vital role in his success, proving that behind every great player is a family that believes in them.
