Jackie Young’s journey from Princeton, Indiana, to becoming a Las Vegas Aces star began with a close-knit family and a mother who raised three children on her own. Her mother made countless sacrifices to support Jackie and her siblings, helping create the foundation for the basketball career that would eventually take her from small-town Indiana to the WNBA and the Olympic stage.
As Young developed her game from an early age, her family remained a constant source of encouragement. Their support helped her navigate the demands of competitive basketball while staying grounded in the values she grew up with. Today, that early foundation is reflected in a career that includes WNBA success and Olympic gold medals.
Who Is Jackie Young’s Mother, Linda Young?
Linda Young is Jackie Young’s mother and the woman who primarily raised the WNBA star and her two siblings in Princeton, Indiana. Jackie has spoken publicly about growing up in a household where finances were often difficult, with Linda working to provide for her children despite the challenges.
According to Team USA, Linda was a single mother who made numerous sacrifices while raising Jackie, her older brother Terrence, and younger sister Kiare. Jackie has credited her mother with making sure the family had food and clothing even when money was tight.
Linda’s own role in Jackie’s upbringing extended beyond providing at home. Her daughter’s basketball development became a central part of the family’s life as Jackie progressed from playing locally to becoming a college standout at Notre Dame and eventually the first overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
Who Is Jackie Young’s Father?
Jackie Young’s father has been identified in public sources as David Wayne Edwards Sr. However, there is limited verified information available about him or his relationship with Jackie.
What is much more clearly documented is the role of Jackie’s mother, Linda Young, who raised Jackie and her two siblings as a single mother. Jackie has spoken openly about the financial struggles her family faced growing up and the sacrifices her mother made to provide for her children.
Who Are Jackie Young’s Siblings?
As per Women’s Health, Jackie Young is the middle child of three siblings. Her older brother is Terrence Young, while her younger sister is Kiare Young. Both siblings also play basketball. Basketball was particularly important in Jackie’s relationship with Terrence.
Jackie has recalled practicing her ball-handling with her brother on a patch of grass in their backyard when they were young. She said the area eventually turned into dirt because they played there so frequently.
Jackie has also described Kiare as a close friend and workout partner. In a birthday message to her younger sister, Jackie referred to Kiare as her “best friend” and favorite workout partner.
Where Did Jackie Young Grow Up?
Jackie Young grew up in Princeton, Indiana, where basketball became part of her life from an early age. Team USA states that she started playing basketball with her older brother when she was 5 years old, on the grass in their backyard. She even lied about her age to join a coed Salvation Army league alongside Terrence.
That early exposure eventually led to a standout high school career. After graduating from Princeton Community High School, Young remained in Indiana to attend the University of Notre Dame. She reached the NCAA Championship final in consecutive seasons and won the national title as a sophomore.
Young subsequently left Notre Dame after her junior season and became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, selected by the Las Vegas Aces.
What Has Jackie Young Said About Her Mother?
Jackie has repeatedly expressed gratitude for Linda’s sacrifices, particularly when discussing the circumstances of her childhood.
“My mom, a single mother, made a lot of sacrifices for me and my siblings,” Jackie said, according to Women’s Health. She added that her mother “definitely went without to make sure we have food on the table, clothes on our backs.”
Team USA similarly quotes Jackie recalling that Linda made sacrifices to provide for the family, explaining that she knew that if she got an opportunity to leave for the WNBA early, she would take it.
Linda’s sacrifices and Jackie’s early basketball experiences ultimately formed the foundation of her professional career. From backyard practices with Terrence in Princeton to Olympic gold medals and WNBA success, Young has continued to recognize the role her mother played in helping her reach that level.