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5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Klay Thompson's Mom, Julie Thompson, And Her Underrated Role In The Splash Brothers Dynasty

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Every NBA superstar has a foundation, and for Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson, that foundation is his mother, Julie Thompson. While Klay’s father, Mychal Thompson, is often cited for his own NBA championship pedigree, it is Julie’s quiet strength, athletic background, and dedication that have truly shaped Klay into the four-time NBA champion he is today. As of late December 2025, Julie Thompson continues to be a fixture courtside, making headlines not just for her support of Klay, but for her own viral moments that highlight her status as a beloved figure in the Warriors’ family ecosystem.

This article dives deep into the life and influence of the woman behind the "Splash Brother," revealing the little-known facts about her own athletic journey, the powerful family values she instilled, and how she became an integral part of one of the NBA's greatest dynasties. Her story is a compelling narrative of athletic excellence and unwavering maternal support.

Julie Thompson: Biography and The Thompson Family Athletic Lineage

Julie Thompson, born Julie Leslie, is the matriarch of one of the most successful athletic families in modern professional sports. Her life before becoming a basketball mother was marked by her own significant achievements.

  • Full Name: Julie Leslie Thompson (née Leslie)
  • Hometown: Ridgefield, Washington
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting
  • Collegiate Sport: Star Collegiate Volleyball Player
  • Spouse: Mychal Thompson (Former NBA Player, 2-time NBA Champion)
  • Marriage Date: 1987
  • Children: Three Sons—Mychel Thompson (Former NBA G League Player), Klay Thompson (NBA Champion, Golden State Warriors), and Trayce Thompson (MLB Player, Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • Influence: Credited by her sons, including Klay, for instilling discipline, a love for sports, and a balanced perspective on competition.

The Thompson household is an unprecedented incubator for athletic talent. Julie and Mychal Thompson raised three professional athletes, a feat few families in sports history can claim. Klay Thompson’s success in the NBA, Mychel’s professional basketball career, and Trayce’s career in Major League Baseball are a testament to the powerful athletic legacy and supportive environment cultivated by their parents.

The Collegiate Volleyball Star Who Became a "Splash Mother"

It’s a common misconception that Klay Thompson inherited his entire athletic prowess from his NBA champion father, Mychal Thompson. In reality, Julie Thompson's background as a star collegiate volleyball player at the University of Portland provided an equally vital genetic and foundational athletic blueprint.

Julie’s commitment to her own sport—and her subsequent career outside of professional sports with a degree in accounting—offered her sons a critical perspective: that athletic success is about more than just talent; it requires discipline, hard work, and a balanced life.

She was the parent who was "there every day," in the words of Mychal Thompson, who often credits the mothers for doing "all the work" while the fathers were "out and about." This consistent, quiet dedication is what Klay has often praised, citing her "consistent and quiet support" following his championship victories. Julie Thompson was the one who taught her boys proper exercise techniques and ensured they maintained their focus, acting as the true foundation for their physical and mental development.

The Unspoken Influence: No Pressure, Just Support

One of the most profound aspects of Julie Thompson’s parenting style was her refusal to pressure her sons into pursuing professional athletics. While the Thompson family was steeped in sports, Julie consistently emphasized that she simply wanted to see her children happy. This philosophy is a key factor in Klay’s famously relaxed and joyful demeanor on the court.

Klay has spoken openly about the atmosphere at home, noting that while his parents had a huge impact on his career, neither he nor his brothers ever felt forced to follow in their footsteps. This freedom allowed Klay to develop his own unique game and passion for basketball, leading to his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

This supportive environment, free of parental pressure, is a powerful lesson in how to raise successful athletes. Julie and Mychal Thompson focused on providing the tools and the environment, allowing their sons' natural talent and drive to flourish on their own terms.

The Viral Courtside Moments: Julie Thompson in the Spotlight

While Julie Thompson has always maintained a relatively low profile compared to her husband and sons, recent high-profile courtside appearances have brought her into the public eye, showcasing her warm, engaging personality.

In a moment that went viral in late 2024, Julie Thompson was spotted sitting courtside with rapper Megan Thee Stallion at a Mavericks vs. Lakers game. The rapper was there to support her then-boyfriend, a Mavericks player, and the image of Klay Thompson’s mom and the global music star sitting side-by-side sparked immediate fan reaction and media buzz.

The pictures and videos of the two women interacting warmly demonstrated Julie’s easygoing nature and her continued presence at high-profile NBA events, even when her son Klay was not the main focus of the game. This unexpected pairing highlighted the growing crossover between Hip Hop culture and the NBA family, with Julie Thompson at the center of the conversation. The event, though initially confusing to some fans who speculated about Klay's own dating life, ultimately served as a fresh reminder of Julie Thompson's status as a respected and recognizable figure in the league’s family circles.

The "Splash Mothers" Legacy: A Partnership with Sonya Curry

Julie Thompson is often mentioned alongside Sonya Curry, the mother of Klay's "Splash Brother" teammate, Stephen Curry. The two mothers have formed a friendship and a supportive bond that mirrors the on-court chemistry of their sons. This dynamic has led to them being affectionately dubbed the "Splash Mothers."

The term "Splash Mothers" perfectly encapsulates the shared experience and mutual support between the two families as their sons led the Warriors to multiple championships. Their presence courtside, often sitting together, has become a symbol of the strong, family-oriented culture that defines the Golden State Warriors organization. Mychal Thompson's acknowledgment that "it was Sonya and Julie" who did the day-to-day work further solidifies the critical, often unsung, role these women played in nurturing the talent of the Warriors' core players.

Klay Thompson's Public Tributes to His Mom

Klay Thompson has never shied away from expressing his gratitude and love for his mother. His public tributes often come at the most significant moments of his career, underscoring her importance to his success.

Following one of his championship runs, Klay made a point to send a special message to his mother, who could not be present that night. He stated, "The vision came to fruition and now I just want to send a special shout-out to my mother. I know she's watching, she couldn't be here tonight." This simple yet powerful quote shows that even on the biggest stage, Klay's first thought is often of his family and the woman who helped him achieve his dreams.

Julie Thompson’s influence extends beyond just athletic training; she instilled a sense of humility and gratitude that is evident in Klay's public persona. Her dedication to keeping her sons grounded, despite their extraordinary athletic achievements, is the true championship legacy of the Thompson family matriarch. She is a powerful example of the vital, often unseen, role that a mother plays in shaping a generational talent.

klay thompson and mom
klay thompson and mom

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