Zaya Wade has been carving out her own identity, distinct from her father, NBA legend Dwyane Wade. At just 17, she’s already walked for Miu Miu, starred in MAC’s “Born Famous” campaign, and collaborated with Puma on custom sneakers. Earlier this year, she even appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine. Balancing these ventures while still in high school is no easy challenge. Imagine trying to keep up good grades while trying your hand at so many different ventures. It’s impressive to see someone so young manage such a demanding schedule with grace.

This is why it’s surprising that, putting aside her fashion accomplishments, she apparently didn’t let her student life suffer! Dwyane Wade previously took to Instagram to share, “What I’m proudest of most is Zaya has maintained a 4.0 gpa for her entire life🔥,” on his story. This achievement is remarkable, especially considering all that she has been through. Well, it’s not like she is going to stop anytime soon. She even recently dropped hints that she might be coming up with something special soon. And while that is on the way, it seems she is also walking forward to another phase in her life: adulthood. 

Recently, Zaya shared photos before her senior prom, with a simple caption, “senior prom 🩶”. The black-and-white pictures showed off her dress for the prom. While Wade has yet to comment on that, it does remind of some time ago, when she had shared her senior pictures. In the caption were words directed towards her father, “Senior pics 🖤 try not to cry, dad.” And what did Dwyane Wade have to say? He simply replied, “Just proud that I get to see this day 😍”. It does make one wonder, what sort of reaction would Wade be having watching his daughter on such a big day in any kid’s life?

Earlier during the Seventeen interview, she had claimed, “I’m entering a new era this year. An era of so much more confidence in myself and in my body. I have big plans for myself, most importantly. And also my community. I hope I inspire plenty of young girls out there”. Her words speak volumes about how far she’s come. But they also hint at how deeply she wants to give back. Now that she is preparing to say farewell to her school life, it will be interesting to see what moves she makes. One question lingers: will she chase college dreams or dive headfirst into fashion?

Gabrielle Union shares Zaya’s college plans and sweet sister bond

As the Wade family gears up for Zaya’s next big chapter, emotions are running high, especially for Gabrielle Union. Speaking from the 2025 Met Gala blue carpet, the actress revealed that the whole family is feeling “scared but excited” as Zaya prepares to head off to college. And she did not just pick up any major – Zaya’s diving into astrobiology. Union joked, “[She’s] an astrobiology major. So we can’t help with that. We haven’t been able to help with homework since the fourth grade, but we’re excited for next year.” It’s clear they’re proud, even if they’re still catching up to her brilliance.

But before she goes, Zaya’s soaking up all the time she can with her little sister Kaavia. Union shared a sweet detail: both girls attend the same school, and Zaya regularly visits Kaavia during her lunch break. “So during Kaav’s lunch, Zaya comes and hangs out with Kaav. And this is really special that they’re at the same school, at least for one year,” she said. For six-year-old Kaav, that bond is everything, especially knowing big sis won’t be around much longer. These little moments have become the heart of their final school year together.

Beyond school and science, Zaya’s also navigating her teenage life, dating included. In her Seventeen interview, she opened up about her family’s take on it. “Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip,” Zaya said, adding that Gabrielle loves hearing all the high school gossip.

But her dad? That’s a different story. “My dad… he tries to scare any person I have interest in. He’s kind of intimidating.” With his size and deep voice, it’s no surprise. Yet Zaya added, “He’s a teddy bear,” proving that behind the tough exterior is just a protective, loving dad.