Zach Edey’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 5, 2026 by Orlando Bloom

Zach Edey comes from a close and supportive Canadian family that played an important role in his unusual journey from a young baseball and hockey player in Toronto to one of the most dominant college basketball players of his generation and eventually an NBA center with the Memphis Grizzlies. His parents, Julia and Glen Edey, encouraged him to explore sports without forcing basketball on him, while his younger brother, Doug Edey, also developed an interest in basketball.

The Edey family became especially familiar to basketball fans during Zach’s four seasons at Purdue University. His mother, Julia, regularly attended games and became one of the most recognizable parents around the Boilermakers program. Although Zach’s professional career has increased interest in his personal life, he continues to keep romantic relationships largely private. Here is what is publicly known about Zach Edey’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.

Who Is Zach Edey’s Girlfriend?

As of now, Zach Edey has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend. Reliable mainstream reports and his official basketball biographies do not identify a current romantic partner.

Edey has generally kept his dating life away from public attention. His interviews and social media presence have focused much more heavily on basketball, his teammates and his family than on romantic relationships.

Because of his growing NBA profile, several unverified claims about his relationship status have circulated online. However, without confirmation from Edey himself or a credible source, it would be inaccurate to identify any particular person as his girlfriend.

As of now, there has also been no credible public announcement that Edey is engaged or married.

Does Zach Edey Have Children?

As of now, Zach Edey does not have any publicly known children. Neither his official NBA biography nor reliable profiles about his family mention him having a son or daughter.

Born on May 14, 2002, Edey has spent much of his adult life concentrating on basketball, progressing from Purdue to the NBA after being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Who Are Zach Edey’s Parents?

Zach Edey was born to Julia Edey and Glen Edey in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His parents raised Zach and his younger brother, Doug, in Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood.

Both Julia and Glen had athletic backgrounds, although neither attempted to pressure Zach into becoming a basketball player. Instead, they allowed their son to participate in the sports he enjoyed before basketball eventually became his primary passion.

Zach Edey’s Mother: Julia Edey

Julia Edey is Zach Edey’s mother and arguably the most publicly recognizable member of his family.

Julia is a first-generation Chinese Canadian who was born and raised in the Toronto area. She grew up in a working-class family and was one of five children. Her family operated a restaurant, where Julia began helping from a young age.

Education and hard work were strongly emphasized in her household, values she later passed on to Zach and Doug.

Julia also had an athletic background. During her youth, she participated in baseball and track and field and later began playing basketball during high school. She has spoken about breaking a city record in the discus while she was a student.

Her own experience with basketball eventually influenced the way she supported Zach. Julia has explained that her parents viewed sports primarily as recreation and did not necessarily understand the pathways available to elite athletes.

When Zach started showing serious basketball potential, Julia therefore made an effort to learn about recruiting, camps and development opportunities so her son would have access to information that she did not have when she was younger.

What Did Julia Edey Do for a Living?

Before becoming widely known among Purdue basketball fans, Julia Edey had a long professional career as a mechanical engineer.

She worked for approximately three decades in Canada’s nuclear industry and also spent time teaching nuclear theory.

Julia and Zach eventually made an unusual family agreement: if Zach earned a Division I basketball scholarship, she would be in a financial position to retire.

Zach accomplished that goal when he earned his opportunity at Purdue. Julia subsequently retired and was able to dedicate considerably more time to following her son’s basketball career.

During Zach’s Purdue years, she frequently stayed in Indiana for parts of the season so she could attend his games.

Julia Edey Became Famous Among Purdue Fans

Julia became a familiar face inside Purdue’s Mackey Arena during Zach’s college career.

Her enthusiastic support regularly resulted in television cameras showing her in the stands, while Purdue fans would often cheer when she appeared on the arena’s video board.

She also became known for creating homemade merchandise celebrating her son. Several designs referenced Zach’s Canadian heritage and his popular nickname, “The Big Maple.”

One particularly memorable family moment occurred when Purdue played Alabama in Toronto in December 2023. The game allowed Zach to play in front of dozens of relatives and friends from Canada, with Julia joining the celebration after the victory.

Zach Edey’s Father: Glen Edey

Glen Edey is Zach Edey’s father. Compared with Julia, Glen maintains a considerably more private public profile.

Glen was also raised in Canada and developed a strong work ethic from an early age. He reportedly worked pumping gas as a teenager before later building his adult life and family in Toronto.

Sports were also part of Glen’s childhood. He played baseball, a sport that eventually became one of Zach’s earliest athletic interests.

Like Julia, Glen did not pressure Zach to pursue basketball simply because of his extraordinary height. The Edeys allowed their son to determine which sports interested him.

Once Zach committed himself seriously to basketball, Glen supported his development and attended important games during both his Purdue and professional journey.

Why Zach Edey Initially Did Not Want to Play Basketball

Despite eventually becoming one of basketball’s most recognizable big men, Zach Edey did not grow up dreaming exclusively about the sport.

As a child in Toronto, he played hockey and baseball. He was especially interested in baseball and developed into a promising pitcher.

Edey initially resisted basketball partly because people constantly suggested that he should play the sport simply because he was tall. He did not want his height to determine which activity he pursued.

His parents respected that decision rather than forcing him onto a basketball court.

Eventually, however, Edey tried organized basketball during high school and discovered that he enjoyed the game. His remarkable size combined with his coordination and work ethic quickly attracted attention.

That decision ultimately changed his life.

Who Are Zach Edey’s Siblings?

Zach Edey has one publicly known sibling, his younger brother Doug Edey.

Julia and Glen have two sons, with Zach being their oldest child and Doug their younger son.

Doug Edey

Doug Edey is Zach Edey’s younger brother. Like Zach, Doug attended Leaside High School in Toronto and has participated in basketball.

Doug has maintained a much lower public profile than his older brother and has not experienced the same level of national media attention.

Nevertheless, basketball has provided another connection between the brothers.

Julia has spoken affectionately about raising both sons and has publicly described Zach and Doug as two of the greatest gifts in her life.

Doug and other members of the extended Edey family have also supported Zach during major moments of his basketball career.

Zach Edey’s Chinese and Canadian Family Heritage

Zach Edey was born and raised in Canada and proudly represents the country internationally.

His maternal family also gives him Chinese heritage. Julia Edey is a first-generation Chinese Canadian who grew up in the Toronto area.

Her family’s experiences as a working-class immigrant household helped shape Julia’s approach toward education, discipline and hard work, qualities that she later emphasized while raising her own children.

Zach has therefore grown up with both his Canadian identity and his mother’s Chinese family background forming part of his personal story.

He has represented Canada at multiple international basketball competitions, including youth and senior tournaments.

How Zach Edey’s Parents Supported His Basketball Career

Zach’s path to elite basketball was unusual because he began playing the sport seriously much later than many future NBA players.

When his potential became apparent, Julia helped Zach explore basketball camps and prep-school opportunities throughout Canada and the United States.

Edey eventually joined IMG Academy in Florida, requiring him to leave his family in Toronto and continue developing in the United States.

Moving away from home was a significant step, but his parents encouraged him to take advantage of the opportunity.

Purdue subsequently recruited Edey, and he joined the Boilermakers in 2020.

His development there exceeded almost every expectation. Edey progressed from a relatively inexperienced prospect into one of the most decorated players in college basketball history.

Zach Edey’s Family During His Purdue Career

The Edey family became an important part of Zach’s Purdue story.

Julia spent substantial amounts of time in Indiana during basketball seasons and regularly traveled to watch her son. Glen also attended important games despite maintaining a quieter public presence.

The entire family had an especially memorable opportunity when Purdue scheduled a game against Alabama in Toronto in December 2023.

Nearly 90 of Edey’s relatives and friends were reportedly in attendance as Purdue defeated Alabama. Zach scored 35 points during the game, making his return to his hometown one of the most memorable performances of his college career.

Afterward, Zach embraced his mother as family members celebrated his successful homecoming.

Zach Edey’s Parents and His Rise to the NBA

Edey completed a historic college career at Purdue before entering the 2024 NBA Draft.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected him with the ninth overall pick, officially beginning his NBA career.

The achievement represented another remarkable chapter for a family that had once allowed Zach to focus primarily on hockey and baseball rather than pushing him toward basketball.

His success also validated his parents’ approach of allowing their children to find their own interests while providing support whenever those interests became serious.

Edey later earned NBA All-Rookie honors and established himself as an important part of Memphis’ frontcourt.

Zach Edey’s Relationship With His Mother

Zach has frequently spoken positively about his relationship with Julia.

He has described his mother as one of the most dependable people in his life and credited her with providing stability throughout his basketball journey.

Julia’s dedication was particularly significant after Zach moved from Canada to the United States. Traveling to watch games allowed her to remain closely involved even while her son was living far from home.

Their relationship also produced several memorable public moments during his Purdue career, from postgame celebrations to Julia’s homemade “Big Maple” shirts.

Her popularity among Purdue supporters eventually made Julia recognizable in her own right.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zach Edey’s Family

Who is Zach Edey’s girlfriend?

Zach Edey has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend as of now. Reliable sources do not currently identify a confirmed romantic partner.

Is Zach Edey married?

There has been no credible public announcement confirming that Zach Edey is married.

Does Zach Edey have children?

No publicly verified reports indicate that Zach Edey has any children as of now.

Who is Zach Edey’s mother?

Zach Edey’s mother is Julia Edey, a retired mechanical engineer and first-generation Chinese Canadian who became well known for supporting her son throughout his Purdue career.

Who is Zach Edey’s father?

Zach Edey’s father is Glen Edey. He is Canadian and played baseball when he was younger. Glen generally maintains a more private profile than his wife, Julia.

Does Zach Edey have a brother?

Yes. Zach Edey has one younger brother named Doug Edey, who also attended Leaside High School and has played basketball.

Does Zach Edey have a sister?

No sister is identified in reliable public family profiles. Zach and Doug are the two children of Julia and Glen Edey.

What is Zach Edey’s ethnicity?

Zach Edey has mixed family heritage. He was born and raised in Canada, while his mother, Julia, is a first-generation Chinese Canadian.

Where are Zach Edey’s parents from?

Julia and Glen Edey were both raised in Canada. They raised Zach and Doug in Toronto, Ontario.

Where was Zach Edey born?

Zach Edey was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on May 14, 2002.

Who does Zach Edey play for?

Zach Edey plays center for the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after his four-year career at Purdue.