The Untold Story of Julie Thompson, Klay Thompson’s Amazing Mother

When people talk about Klay Thompson, they usually focus on his basketball skills, his NBA rings, and his time with the Golden State Warriors. But behind every great player, there’s usually someone special cheering them on — and for Klay, that person is his mom, Julie Thompson.

Julie isn’t just the mother of an NBA star. She’s a former athlete, a loving wife, and a proud mom of three sons who all became pro athletes. In this article, we’ll take a look at Julie’s life, how she helped shape Klay’s journey, and why her story is so inspiring.

Julie Thompson Quick Bio

Where Julie Thompson’s Story Begins

Julie Thompson was born on January 25, 1964, in Ridgefield, Washington. She grew up in a small town with two older brothers. From a young age, she was surrounded by sports. Her brothers loved playing, and that competitive spirit soon rubbed off on her.

She came from a close and active family. Her brother John Leslie later became a college athlete, too. He even helped Julie take care of her kids when her husband, Mychal Thompson, was traveling for basketball work. Julie’s early life was all about family, fun, and learning how to stay strong, both mentally and physically.

Julie Was a Star Athlete Too

Many people don’t know that Julie Thompson was also an amazing athlete in her younger days. She started with gymnastics when she was a child. Later, she got into track and field, where she competed in long jump and triple jump. Her best jumps? 19 feet 6 inches in long jump and 40 feet in triple jump — that’s impressive by any standard.

But her heart truly belonged to volleyball. She started playing the sport in high school and quickly became a star. She was strong, fast, and smart on the court. Her coaches described her as “fluid and graceful.” Even her husband, Mychal, once said she was good enough to play for Team USA. Julie always just laughed at that and stayed humble, but her talent was real.

Julie Thompson’s College Volleyball Journey

After high school, Julie got a volleyball scholarship to play at the University of Portland. While playing there, she helped her team win two conference championships in a row. Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed — she was picked for the All-Star Tournament Team two times and was named All-American League pick three times.

Later, Julie transferred to the University of San Francisco to finish her degree. She studied accounting, showing that she was just as focused in the classroom as she was on the court. She balanced both sports and studies — something not many can do easily. That discipline would later help her raise a family full of athletes.

How Julie Met Mychal Thompson

Julie’s life changed forever when she met Mychal Thompson, a young basketball player who would later become an NBA champion. They met at the University of Portland, where Mychal was playing pickup basketball and spotted Julie nearby. He said he saw her out of the corner of his eye and instantly forgot about the game!

They began dating, and a few years later, they got married in 1987. Julie and Mychal made a strong team, both on and off the court. They understood each other’s sports backgrounds and supported each other’s dreams. It wasn’t just love; it was also a partnership built on shared values like discipline, focus, and kindness.

Julie Thompson and Mychal’s Children

Julie and Mychal went on to have three sons — Mychel, Klay, and Trayce. All three boys grew up in a home filled with sports, laughter, and lessons about hard work. But even though both parents were athletes, they never forced sports on their kids. Instead, they gave them space to explore and fall in love with sports naturally.

Julie was hands-on from the start. She taught her boys how to stretch properly, run with good form, and even do yoga and Pilates. She showed them that fitness wasn’t just for games — it was a way of life. And she made sure they knew how to compete with heart and respect.

One fun story? Julie used to race young Klay in their driveway. She never let him win — not until he truly beat her when he was 14 years old. It was her way of teaching him that success comes from effort, not shortcuts. Those small moments helped shape the confident and hard-working man Klay is today.

Julie Thompson’s Special Bond with Klay Thompson

Out of all her sons, Julie shares a special connection with Klay Thompson, the NBA star known for his calm personality and deadly three-point shot. Klay often says that he got his athletic skills from his mom, not his dad. He jokes that Mychal gave him the height, but Julie gave him the bounce.

Klay also picked up small habits from his mom, like reading the newspaper before every game. Julie told him it would help him feel calm and focused — and it worked. Even now, it’s part of his pre-game routine.

He’s also said many times that his mom is his safe space — someone he turns to when things get tough. Whether it’s a big win or a hard loss, he knows Julie is always in his corner. Their bond is strong, quiet, and full of trust.

When Klay tore his Achilles tendon, it was one of the hardest times in his career. He couldn’t walk properly, couldn’t play, and had to miss an entire season. But through it all, Julie was right there. She came over every day to help him with simple things — cooking, cleaning, even helping him move around the house.

Klay later said he felt “immobilized” and “stuck,” but his mom made it better. She gave him hope when he felt low. She reminded him to stay patient, to take things one day at a time. He never forgot that. In interviews and social media posts, Klay has thanked Julie for being his rock during that long recovery.

Julie Thompson Stays Out of the Spotlight

Even though Julie Thompson is the mother of a famous NBA player, she doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight. She prefers a quiet and private life. Julie doesn’t talk much about her own success as an athlete, even though she was a star back in the day.

Klay and his dad, Mychal, often say that Julie is the best athlete in the family. Klay once joked that his dad “used to loaf down the court” and that the real athletic talent came from his mom. Still, Julie stays humble and doesn’t brag about it.

She is also very supportive behind the scenes. She helps Klay with his clothing choices, his habits, and his mindset. Even now, Klay says that his mom still helps him pick outfits. That small detail shows how close their bond is and how much he trusts her.

The Thompson Family Foundation

In 2017, Julie, Mychal, and their sons started the Thompson Family Foundation. Their goal was simple: help young people in the United States and the Bahamas through sports, fitness, and education.

After Klay’s injury, they started a new program called The 941 Project. It helps people get back into work after facing tough times. It was inspired by Klay’s own recovery journey — and by how Julie stood by his side during that hard time.

Julie plays a key role in this foundation, even if she doesn’t always appear in the media. Her heart is in helping others. She knows what it feels like to face setbacks, and she wants others to have the same support and care she gave her sons.

Julie Thompson’s Life Today

In 2025, Julie Thompson lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Mychal. She stays active with her family and foundation work. Even though she doesn’t appear in front of cameras much, she’s always part of the team behind the scenes.

She enjoys her peace and privacy. After raising three boys who all became athletes, she knows the value of quiet time. Julie also loves spending time with her sons whenever they visit, and she continues to support them in their careers.

Whether Klay is playing in the NBA or Trayce is on the baseball field, Julie is always watching and cheering for them. She may not be loud about it, but her love and support are always there.

Why Julie Thompson’s Story Inspires So Many

Julie Thompson may not be famous like her son Klay, but her story is just as powerful. She shows us that strong moms can shape strong kids. She raised not one, but three athletes, and she did it with patience, love, and quiet strength.

Her journey reminds us that success doesn’t always come from the spotlight. Sometimes, it comes from a supportive home, from parents who lead by example. Julie taught her kids to work hard, stay humble, and never give up.

Klay Thompson has said many times that he wouldn’t be the man he is today without his mom. And that says it all. Julie Thompson may be soft-spoken, but her impact is loud and clear.

Final Thoughts

Julie Thompson’s story is one of love, strength, and support. From being a talented volleyball player to raising a household full of champions, she has done it all with heart and grace.

She is more than just Klay Thompson’s mom. She is a teacher, a caregiver, a mentor, and the quiet hero behind one of the NBA’s most respected players.

In the end, it’s clear: Julie Thompson is an amazing mother, and her story deserves to be told.

(FAQs)

Who are Klay Thompson’s parents?

Klay Thompson’s parents are Mychal Thompson, a former NBA champion, and Julie Thompson, a former college volleyball star. Together, they raised three pro athletes — a rare sports family!

How old is Julie Thompson, and when is her birthday?

Julie Thompson was born on January 25, 1964, which makes her 61 years old in 2025 — and she’s still super active and youthful!

Is Julie Thompson on Facebook or LinkedIn?

Julie Thompson keeps a very private life and is not active on public Facebook or LinkedIn. Despite being the mother of a global star, she avoids the spotlight completely.

What does Julie Thompson do now? Is she a realtor?

No, Julie Thompson is not a realtor. She’s a former volleyball athlete, full-time mom, and helps run the Thompson Family Foundation that supports kids in the U.S. and the Bahamas.

How tall is Julie Thompson?

Julie Thompson is 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm) — a perfect height for volleyball, and part of the reason her kids got such strong athletic genes!

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