Zach Edey's Parents: Julia & Glen - The Untold Story
What does it mean to be the parent of a basketball phenomenon? For Julia and Glen Edey, parents of Purdue Boilermakers' towering center Zach Edey, it's a journey of immense pride, quiet support, and the unwavering belief in their son's potential, a sentiment that stretches far beyond the towering presence dominating the court.
Standing at an imposing 7'4" and weighing in at 300 pounds, Zach Edey is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. The Purdue Boilermakers center, a giant amongst giants, commands attention with every move, drawing gasps of admiration and respect from fans and opponents alike. His presence is a spectacle, a testament to his dedication and the countless hours spent honing his skills. The game against Penn State Nittany Lions on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the United Center in Chicago, saw him embrace his mother, Julia Edey, after winning the Big Ten Mens Basketball Tournament Championship, a moment capturing the heart of what it means to have the support of family in athletic endeavor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zachary Cheyne Edey |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Canada |
| Height | 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 m) |
| Weight | 300 pounds (136 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| College | Purdue University |
| Parents | Julia Edey (Mother), Glen Edey (Father) |
| Known For | One of the tallest college basketball players, Big Ten Player of the Year (2023, 2024), Naismith College Player of the Year (2023, 2024) |
| High School | IMG Academy |
| Reference Website | Purdue Sports |
For Julia Edey, the path to supporting her son's basketball career has been a winding road of dedication, hard work and selflessness. Her story, however, stretches beyond the sidelines. Julia's life has always been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a trait that shaped her journey even before Zach stepped onto the court. Her career, spanning over 30 years in the nuclear sector, including a stint as a nuclear theory teacher, showcases her commitment to intellectual rigor and precision. She transitioned from a mechanical engineering career to fully support Zachs burgeoning basketball journey, a moment of personal sacrifice that highlighted the depth of her commitment.
Born to Chinese immigrants in Toronto, Julias background adds another dimension to her story. She carries with her the rich tapestry of her heritage, a blend of cultures that has undoubtedly influenced her perspective and approach to life. She supported Zach's basketball ambitions, and is a constant presence at Purdue Boilermakers games, capturing the attention of the fan base as well. Recording her son from behind the bench, shaking her head in disbelief as the arena erupted, she voiced a sentiment shared by many: What the frick is happening? and This is unbelievable.
Zachary Cheyne Edeys birth in Toronto on May 14, 2002, to Julia and Glen Edey, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. His father, Glen, a former baseball and ice hockey player, instilled in Zach a love for sports, fostering a competitive spirit that would later propel him to greatness on the basketball court. Zach's early experiences with ice hockey and baseball contributed to his physical conditioning and hand-eye coordination, qualities that would prove invaluable as he transitioned to basketball.
The move to IMG Academy in Florida provided a unique perspective for Julia. While the move itself supported her sons burgeoning basketball career, it also offered a unique anecdote. Growing up in Toronto, shorts were not a wardrobe staple. In Florida, where warmer weather is year-round, Julia realized a simple, but significant, perk: "I didnt have to buy him pants anymore," she said. This change of pace highlighted the small ways a mother adapts, and celebrates, the changing circumstances of her sons life.
The Edey family's height is an undeniable part of their story. At 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m), Julia is tall herself, giving the family a unique physical presence. This shared trait undoubtedly contributes to the family dynamic, strengthening the familial bond. Its a genetic gift that has brought Zach to the pinnacle of college basketball, making him a standout in any arena.
Before Zach's rise to basketball prominence, Julia remembers a different sporting experience. While living in Toronto, the family did not often attend Toronto Raptors games. Instead, they embraced other sports that were available. She remembers the first time she took her son to a baseball practice. Edey was a pitcher specifically, a closer. Julia saw it as a fitting role, that fit his desire for pressure. However, his baseball career was curtailed by shoulder troubles and a widening strike zone, but this experience was another foundational element.
Zach Edey is not only the son of Julia Edey, but also of Glen Edey. The pair shares a blend of athletic backgrounds, that contributed in shaping Zachs athletic journey. His father, Glen, played both baseball and ice hockey, instilling a sporting foundation in Zach. However, his mothers background remains somewhat mysterious. While her social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@beejules21), offers glimpses into her world, details about her familys background adds an intriguing layer to her persona.
Born on May 14, 2002, in Toronto, Canada, Zach Edeys journey began with both parents. Little is known about his father, as he primarily remains outside the spotlight. His mother also had aspirations of a basketball career. Zach's success reflects the nurturing environment and enduring support of his parents.
Julia Edey's presence at Purdue games has made her a fan favorite. Edey, recognizing the importance of his mother's role, consistently introduces her to the audience and speaks of her with pride. She shares stories, like their official recruiting visit when a young fan asked for Zach's autograph. This showcases not only a relationship, but also her easy going nature, and her love for her son. She hosts dinners for his teammates, and former Purdue guard David Jenkins Jr. affectionately calls her "Mama," which also supports the closeness and warmth surrounding Zach and his family.
The roots of Julia Edey's family trace back to Guangdong, known as Canton when her parents lived there. Her parents left China for Canada before the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949. Julia and her siblings were all born in Canada, and while her parents didnt talk much about the past, their influence provided the building blocks for Julias dedication and the importance of family.
Coach, he loves hockey, is all Rourke heard from Julia and Glen Edey, indicative of a family who have supported sports in all their forms. They are committed parents, who ensured Zach had a balanced, healthy youth, from his early days playing ice hockey and baseball in Toronto to the basketball powerhouse he has become at Purdue.
