5 Surprising Facts About Klay Thompson’s Mother, Julie Thompson: The Athletic Matriarch Behind The Splash Brother
Julie Thompson, the athletic matriarch of one of the NBA’s most prominent families, is much more than just the mother of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson and two other professional athletes. As of late 2025, her profile has risen significantly, not only due to her son’s continued success but also through her own public appearances that showcase her supportive and dynamic personality.
This article dives deep into the life of Julie Thompson—a former Division 1 athlete herself—from her own collegiate sports career and her marriage to NBA legend Mychal Thompson, to her pivotal role in a major philanthropic organization and her recent, high-profile courtside moments that have gone viral across social media and sports news outlets.
Julie Thompson: A Complete Biography and Profile
Julie Thompson's life is a testament to athletic excellence and dedicated family support. Born Julie Leslie, she established herself as a formidable athlete long before her sons ever stepped onto a professional court or field.
- Full Name: Julie Leslie Thompson
- Spouse: Mychal Thompson (married 1987)
- Children: Mychel Thompson (former basketball player), Klay Thompson (NBA star, Golden State Warriors), Trayce Thompson (MLB player)
- High School: Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, Washington
- College: University of Portland
- College Sports: Division 1 Volleyball, Track and Field
- College Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
- Current Role: Co-Founder of the Thompson Family Foundation (established 2017)
- Residency: Orange County, California
1. She Was a Division 1 Collegiate Athlete in Two Sports
The athletic genes in the Thompson family run deep, and Klay’s mother, Julie, is a prime example. Her own competitive spirit and dedication to sports set the foundation for her children’s careers.
During her high school years at Ridgefield High School in Washington, Julie Thompson was a standout athlete. She achieved state champion status in track and field and was a star volleyball player.
Her talents earned her a spot on the Division 1 volleyball team at the University of Portland. She played for the Portland Pilots for two years before transferring. This background in high-level competition gives her a unique perspective as the mother of three professional athletes—a "Splash Mom" who understands the pressure and commitment required to succeed.
The shared athletic history between the Thompson and Curry families is also notable. Julie Thompson and Sonya Curry, the mother of Stephen Curry, both played collegiate volleyball, leading to the nickname "Splash Mothers" for the duo who raised the famed "Splash Brothers."
2. Her Marriage to Mychal Thompson is a Decades-Long NBA Love Story
Julie Thompson met her future husband, Mychal Thompson, at a gym at the University of Portland. Mychal, a former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick and two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, was already a major figure in the basketball world.
The couple married in 1987, establishing a powerful, decades-long partnership that has anchored their family. Their relationship is a rare feat in the high-profile world of professional sports, providing a stable, supportive environment for their three sons to pursue their own athletic dreams.
Mychal Thompson currently works as a radio color commentator for the Los Angeles Lakers, keeping him deeply connected to the NBA world, while Julie maintains a lower but equally influential public profile. The couple’s ability to navigate the pressures of fame and professional sports while raising a family has made them a model for other sports families.
3. She Co-Founded The Thompson Family Foundation
Beyond the world of professional sports, Julie Thompson is a dedicated philanthropist. In 2017, she and her family—Mychal, Klay, Mychel, and Trayce—co-founded the Thompson Family Foundation.
The foundation's mission is to "enrich the lives of youth in the United States and the Bahamas through fitness and education." This focus reflects the family's dual heritage (Mychal is from the Bahamas) and their commitment to giving back through the channels that brought them success: sports and academic opportunity.
Julie's background, which includes a bachelor's degree in accounting, likely plays a significant role in the operational and financial management of the non-profit organization. Her work with the foundation demonstrates a commitment that extends far beyond the basketball court, impacting communities both domestically and internationally.
4. Julie Thompson is the Mother of Three Professional Athletes
Raising one professional athlete is rare; raising three is an extraordinary feat. Julie Thompson is the mother of three sons who have all achieved professional status in their respective sports:
- Mychel Thompson: The eldest son, Mychel, is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA G League and briefly for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Klay Thompson: The middle son, Klay, is a multi-time NBA Champion and one-half of the legendary "Splash Brothers" duo for the Golden State Warriors.
- Trayce Thompson: The youngest son, Trayce, is a professional baseball player who has played for multiple teams in Major League Baseball (MLB).
This unique accomplishment highlights the supportive and disciplined environment fostered by Julie and Mychal. The family’s emphasis on hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit is a direct reflection of the values instilled by their parents, who themselves were high-level athletes.
5. Her Recent Courtside Moments with Megan Thee Stallion Went Viral in 2025
In a major piece of current and unique news, Julie Thompson has been thrust into the celebrity spotlight due to her son Klay Thompson’s highly-publicized relationship with Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The relationship has been a major topic in sports and entertainment news throughout 2025.
During a recent preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers, cameras captured Julie Thompson sitting courtside with Megan Thee Stallion. This public display of support and apparent camaraderie between Klay’s mother and his new girlfriend sparked significant fan reaction and media commentary, signaling that the relationship is serious and has the family's blessing.
The interaction, which included moments of shared conversation and cheering, quickly went viral. This recent event provides a fresh, contemporary context for Julie Thompson, showing her as a supportive mother who is actively involved in her son's life and relationships, even as they evolve in the public eye. Furthermore, reports in early 2025 indicated that Megan Thee Stallion had already received the "official stamp of approval" from Klay's parents after cooking a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, indicating a strong family bond.
Julie Thompson's Enduring Legacy and Influence
Julie Thompson’s influence on Klay Thompson’s career and the success of the entire Thompson family is undeniable. Her background as a competitive athlete provided a blueprint for discipline and excellence, while her partnership with Mychal Thompson created a stable home life crucial for development.
From the volleyball court at the University of Portland to the demanding work of the Thompson Family Foundation, Julie Thompson has consistently demonstrated the quiet strength and dedication that underpins the success of her highly visible family. Her recent appearances with Klay’s girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion, only further cement her status as the supportive, grounded, and influential matriarch of a true American sports dynasty.
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