The question of Klay Thompson’s racial identity has sparked considerable debate. Some assert that he is ‘White’, while others point to his efforts in uplifting Black communities as evidence of his broader racial identity. This has led to a mix of confusion and discussion about his heritage and impact.

So, what is Thompson’s ethnic background? To put it simply, the 4x champion is of mixed ethnicity. Klay’s father, Mychal Thompson, was born in Nassau, Bahamas. It was only when the former 2x champion was a teenager that he moved to the States, settling in Miami.

As for Klay‘s mom, Julie Thompson (née Leslie), she was born in Ridgefield, Washington. As such, she is an American. However, reports suggest that she is of Caucasian-White ethnicity. As you might already know, the 3x boy-mom prefers to stay out of the limelight as much as possible. Tough, considering her husband is a popular figure in the NBA and all her sons are famous athletes.

Nonetheless, Julie has managed pretty well. But her husband and sons are all praise for their mother. In fact, Klay Thompson once joked, “Our dad used to just loaf down the court. We got our height thanks to him. But our athleticism came from mom.” While it might have been just a light-hearted moment, it was one that Mychal Thompson also wholeheartedly agreed with.

In a 2016 Los Angeles Times article, Papa Thompson admitted, “She’s the best athlete in the family, and all the boys will tell you that.” And with good reason, too.

Klay Thompson’s mom was a standout athlete

Perhaps it was because Mrs. Thompson had two brothers for siblings, but a young Julie was a sports enthusiast from a young age. She was athletic and, as such, had a love for all sports. But her first love was gymnastics. However, as a sophomore in high school, Julie discovered volleyball and, since then, devoted her time to the sport. Naturally, it meant quitting gymnastics.

Yet, she did not limit herself to just volleyball. Miss Leslie was a stellar track and field athlete. Scott Ostler, veteran journalist of the SF Chronicle, wrote in his 2020 article that “she could run like the wind.” They were not just flowery words. At a state Class-A competition, Julie secured the long jump title with an impressive jump of 18 feet, 6½ inches.

Furthermore, in her junior and senior seasons, Julie led the Ridgefield High girls volleyball team to second place in the state in both 1980 and ’81. If these accolades aren’t enough, take a look at what one of her college volleyball coaches, Steve Pickering, said. “Julie, athletically, is as good as anybody I’ve ever coached.” The man’s coaching career is four decades long. That says something, wouldn’t you say?

And her other coach, Laurie Corbelli? “I remember when I first met her. She had this gorgeous smile, she just stood out because of how strikingly beautiful she was, and how sweet … But what a fluid and graceful athlete!” 

Klay Thompson’s dad will agree with every single word Corbelli said. Because as soon as Mychal saw his future wife, he was lost. “I saw her out of the corner of my eye. I forgot about the game,” he confessed to Ostler.

Clearly, Klay has a lot to thank his mom for.