Turns out, Zaya Wade isn’t just the daughter of an NBA legend—she’s got her eyes on the stars, literally. At just 17, Zaya is already a model, LGBTQ+ advocate, and soon-to-be college student with a surprising goal: astrobiology. Yep, she wants to study life beyond Earth. In her latest chat with WhoWhatWear’s Ana Escalante, she excitedly shared how she’s fascinated by microbacteria and fungi on other planets. “I’m obsessed with it,” she said.

Still, Zaya isn’t rushing to Mars anytime soon. “This isn’t about space colonization,” she laughed. “I think we have our own planet to worry about. Maybe if we get this done, we can start talking about a different planet. Now’s not the time.” Her passion for science isn’t just academic—it’s personal. “If I can’t see it, I need to be it. Who else is going to fill the blank in my mind about a Black trans scientist?” she asked, laying out just how much representation matters in her journey.

Even back in September 2024, she admitted her dream was tough—but that’s exactly why she’s chasing it. Though when asked if she’d ever head into space herself, Zaya hesitated. “No. I mean, I don’t know… For now, I like Earth just fine.” The idea of college sounds like a fresh start, but the thought of leaving home? That one hits harder.

Because when it comes down to it, Zaya isn’t exactly counting the days. “I’m not one of those kids who’s like, ‘Wooo! College! I’m ready to leave,'” she confessed. “Like, I’m ready to grow and pursue my education, but I’m not ready to leave my village—at all. They have done an incalculable amount for me. They’re the sole reason I’m here. My relationship with them is so holy. I could never relinquish it.” 

Yet despite calling herself the “worst texter,” she’s got plans to keep her inner circle close. “When I get to college, I promise our group chat will be on fire.” But Zaya embraces her upcoming academic adventure with remarkable poise, her parents are navigating a more complex emotional landscape as they prepare to send their daughter off to college.

Zaya Wade’s parents are “stressed out” as she gets ready for college

While Dwyane Wade hasn’t publicly shared his thoughts yet, Gabrielle Union had plenty to say during her red carpet chat at The Idea of You premiere in NYC. She opened up about the family’s recent college tour adventures with 16-year-old Zaya Wade, saying, “We’re getting ready for her to leave the nest.” But emotionally? Not so ready.

In fact, Union admitted Zaya is handling things way better than they are. “I think she is so calm about it ’cause I think she knows exactly where she wants to go, but I think she’s humoring us with seeing what our country has to offer,” she laughed.

Then came the real talk: “We’re stressed out. We’re stressed out about her being away from us… [Parents all have the] same nerves and anxieties about sending your babies away. It’s tough.” But here’s the twist—Zaya’s not headed for your average degree. Union revealed, “She wants to major in astrobiology, so there’s only so much help we can offer, to be honest… I was a Sociology major, [so I’m like], ‘Girl, you’re on your own.’” Clearly, Zaya’s already walking her own unique path.

Even so, their recent visit to the University of Washington gave the family a moment to breathe. Wade proudly posted snapshots from the trip—Zaya in UW purple, exploring Suzzallo Library, with the caption, “We’re in the College Visits season!!!” Now, whether Zaya’s future lands among the stars or here on Earth, one thing’s for sure—her village is rooting for her, even if they’re freaking out a little.