When you hear the name Zach Edey, you immediately think of the towering Purdue Boilermakers center who dominated college basketball and earned national recognition for his extraordinary skills. But behind every great athlete stands a strong foundation—and in Zach’s case, that foundation is his incredible parents, Julia Edey and Glen Edey.
This article dives deep into the life, values, and unwavering support of the Zach Edey parents, whose influence shaped one of the most inspiring success stories in Canadian sports.
Who Are Zach Edey’s Parents?
Zach Edey’s parents, Julia and Glen Edey, are proud Canadians from Toronto, Ontario. They raised Zach and his younger brother, Doug, with a blend of discipline, humility, and love for learning. While their son’s fame has reached international levels, both parents continue to live quietly, deeply rooted in family and community life.
Julia Edey is a mechanical engineer and retired nuclear professional, while Glen Edey has a background in sports and community involvement. Together, they form the steady and loving core that helped Zach stay grounded despite his meteoric rise in basketball.
Their story is not one of privilege or luck, but of values, hard work, and belief—principles they instilled in their sons from a young age.
Julia Edey – The Powerhouse Mom Behind the Big Maple
Julia Edey’s story is remarkable on its own. Standing at 6-foot-3, she was once a multi-sport athlete and a record-setting discus thrower during her school years. But beyond her athleticism, Julia built an impressive career in mechanical and nuclear engineering in Toronto.
For over three decades, she worked in a male-dominated field, proving her expertise through hard work and perseverance. Eventually, she chose to retire early—not for rest, but to fully support her son’s blossoming basketball career. Julia began spending months in Indiana during the Purdue season, cheering from the stands and often hosting team gatherings for Zach and his teammates.
What makes Julia so endearing to fans is her down-to-earth personality. She’s affectionately known as the “Big Maple Mom”, a nickname inspired by Zach’s own “Big Maple” moniker. Beyond basketball, Julia is also a passionate beekeeper, running several hives and advocating for environmental awareness. Her beekeeping hobby symbolizes her nurturing nature—quietly tending, protecting, and ensuring growth, much like she’s done for her family.
Her community involvement is equally inspiring. Julia volunteers at local food banks and animal shelters, showing that success isn’t measured by wealth or fame but by compassion and service.
Glen Edey – The Quiet Strength of the Family
While Julia often steals the spotlight with her charisma and visibility, Glen Edey is the quiet force working behind the scenes. A former baseball and hockey player, Glen grew up with a love for sports and competition. That athletic background played a vital role in shaping Zach’s early interests in baseball and hockey before he transitioned to basketball.
Glen’s parenting style centers on patience, responsibility, and humility. Friends and coaches describe him as a “steady rock”—a dad who rarely seeks attention but whose presence and discipline have left a lasting mark on Zach’s mindset. He taught his sons the value of earning everything through effort, not entitlement.
Though Glen avoids the media spotlight, his influence is evident in Zach’s balanced personality. The All-American center often mentions how his father’s calmness and integrity guided him during tough times, both on and off the court.
Cultural Heritage and Family Roots
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Zach Edey parents story is their diverse heritage. Julia Edey is a first-generation Chinese Canadian, born to immigrant parents from Guangdong Province who moved to Toronto before 1949. Her parents owned a small Chinese restaurant, where Julia worked as a teenager. That experience taught her resilience, teamwork, and appreciation for hard work.
Glen, on the other hand, is of European Canadian descent. Together, Julia and Glen created a multicultural family environment where both traditions were celebrated. Zach often expresses pride in his Chinese and Canadian roots, acknowledging that his mixed heritage has given him a broader worldview and deep sense of identity.
Julia’s mother—Zach’s grandmother—played a vital role in connecting him to his Chinese heritage, celebrating Lunar New Year and introducing him to cultural customs that continue to influence his values today.
Athletic Genes and Early Sports Influence
Athleticism clearly runs in the Edey family. Julia’s height and sporting background combined with Glen’s love for baseball meant that Zach and Doug were naturally drawn to sports from an early age. Interestingly, Zach’s first love wasn’t basketball—it was baseball. He played as a pitcher and first baseman, often towering over other kids due to his exceptional height.
Glen would practice with him for hours, teaching fundamentals and focus, while Julia emphasized discipline and goal-setting. When Zach eventually shifted his focus to basketball in high school, his parents didn’t pressure him—they supported his decision wholeheartedly.
That unconditional support proved crucial. As Zach transitioned from an athletic novice to a national prospect, Julia and Glen made countless sacrifices—driving him to practices, attending tournaments, and balancing family responsibilities across borders.
Parenting Philosophy – Support, Not Control
What sets the Zach Edey parents apart is their parenting philosophy: support without control. They didn’t force Zach to chase scholarships or fame; they encouraged curiosity, accountability, and independence.
Julia often says that her role is not to manage Zach’s career but to help him stay grounded and happy. She emphasizes emotional intelligence just as much as physical success, a lesson that’s reflected in Zach’s humble and composed demeanor.
Glen’s approach complements Julia’s perfectly—he leads by example, teaching through action rather than words. The balance between his quiet leadership and Julia’s enthusiastic support created an environment where their sons could thrive naturally.
Their parenting style stands as a model for families navigating the pressures of youth sports. Instead of pushing from the sidelines, the Edeys provided stability and perspective—a reminder that character matters as much as competition.
Life Beyond Basketball
Despite Zach’s growing fame, the Edey family values simplicity. Their home base remains in Toronto, though Julia often stays in West Lafayette, Indiana, during Purdue’s season. Glen continues to maintain a private lifestyle, and Zach’s younger brother Doug has pursued his own interests, occasionally playing basketball but more focused on academics and other goals.
Outside of sports, the family enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and supporting charitable causes. Julia’s beekeeping and volunteer work reflect the family’s commitment to sustainability and kindness—a contrast to the celebrity culture surrounding elite athletes.
Even as Zach’s career evolves toward professional basketball, the Edey family remains close-knit. Julia’s presence at games, her vibrant online personality, and Glen’s quiet pride all show that family, not fame, defines their success.
Julia Edey’s Public Image and Fan Connection
Over the years, Julia Edey has become somewhat of a celebrity among Purdue fans. Her warm interactions with students and her genuine enthusiasm make her a crowd favorite. She’s often featured on the Jumbotron, waving and smiling as the crowd chants “Big Maple Mom!”
She has been spotted hosting team dinners, supporting local charities in West Lafayette, and accompanying Zach to high-profile events like the ESPY Awards. Her natural charisma and authenticity have helped her build a community of fans who admire her not just as a mother but as a role model for strength, grace, and humility.
Julia also uses her platform to spread positivity online, often sharing messages of gratitude and encouragement for young athletes and parents navigating similar journeys.
Interesting Facts About Zach Edey’s Parents
- Julia Edey stands 6′03″ tall, and her athletic background includes basketball, discus, and track.
- She’s a professional engineer and a beekeeper who sells honey locally.
- Glen Edey is a former baseball player and lifelong sports enthusiast.
- The couple met in Canada and raised their children in the Leaside neighborhood of Toronto.
- Julia often volunteers for Food Finders Food Bank and Natalie’s Second Chance Dog Shelter.
- Zach’s multicultural background (Chinese and European Canadian) is a point of pride for the whole family.
FAQs about Zach Edey Parents
Who are Zach Edey’s parents?
His parents are Julia Edey and Glen Edey, both from Toronto, Canada.
What is Julia Edey’s background?
She’s a mechanical engineer, retired from the nuclear industry, and a passionate beekeeper and community volunteer.
What is Zach Edey’s heritage?
He’s of mixed Chinese and Caucasian Canadian descent.
How tall are Zach Edey’s parents?
Julia is 6′03″ tall; Glen is slightly shorter but also tall for his generation.
Where do Zach Edey’s parents live?
They live in Toronto, though Julia often spends time in Indiana during basketball season.
Conclusion
The story of Zach Edey’s parents, Julia and Glen Edey, is one of love, hard work, and devotion. They didn’t chase fame or push their son into the spotlight—they simply gave him the tools to succeed, both on the court and in life.
Their blend of cultural richness, professional excellence, and family values offers a powerful reminder that greatness begins at home. As Zach continues to rise in the basketball world, it’s clear that Julia and Glen’s legacy will always be the unshakable foundation beneath his success.
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