Nia Coffey Bio
Nia Coffey (born June 11, 1995) is an American professional basketball player with the Atlanta Dream of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). A small forward, she was drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, which is the highest of any Northwestern University basketball player in school history. Coffey attended Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where she was a McDonald’s All-American. She is the daughter of former NBA player Richard Coffey and the sister of current NBA player Amir Coffey.
Early Life and Background
Nia Coffey was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and raised in a family that valued sports. Her father, Richard Coffey, played in the NBA, which influenced her early interest in basketball. Growing up in Minnesota, Coffey attended Hopkins High School, where she quickly made a name for herself in the sport. Her talent was evident from a young age, and she was recognized as a standout player during her high school career. Coffey’s achievements at Hopkins included being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2013, a prestigious honor that highlighted her potential as a future star in basketball. After high school, she continued her education and basketball career at Northwestern University, where she played for the Northwestern Wildcats from 2013 to 2017.
Path to Basketball
Coffey entered Northwestern University as a highly regarded recruit and quickly became a key player for the Wildcats. In her freshman year, she made an immediate impact, becoming the first player in Northwestern history to be named to the first-team All-Big Ten as a freshman. Throughout her college career, Coffey continued to break records and earn accolades, including four consecutive selections to the first-team All-Big Ten from 2014 to 2017. Her collegiate career was marked by impressive performances, including a career-high of 35 points in a game against Iowa during her sophomore year. Coffey’s consistent scoring and rebounding made her a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference, and she led her team in both categories throughout her four years at Northwestern.
Nia Coffey Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Nia Coffey was drafted by the San Antonio Stars with the fifth overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, marking a significant milestone in her career. This selection was the highest any player from Northwestern University had ever been drafted. She made her WNBA debut on May 13, 2017, in a game against the New York Liberty. During her rookie season, Coffey showcased her skills and adaptability, playing both as a small forward and power forward. She also played overseas for Maccabi Ramat Gan in the Israeli Female Basketball Premier League during the same year.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
Coffey’s career continued to evolve as she transitioned between teams in the WNBA and international leagues. In 2019, she played for Çukurova Basketbol in Turkey and later joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2020. Her time with the Mercury was marked by significant contributions to the team, including a career-high of 23 points in a game against the Seattle Storm in 2018. In 2021, Coffey signed with the Los Angeles Sparks and recorded a career-high of six blocks in a game against the Dallas Wings. Her performance during this period solidified her reputation as a versatile and skilled player in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Nia Coffey has achieved numerous accolades, including being named to the first-team All-Big Ten four times and earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Her consistent performance on the court has made her a key player for every team she has joined, including her current team, the Atlanta Dream, where she signed a one-year deal in 2022 and re-signed in 2023.
Nia Coffey Award Nominations
Nia Coffey has received several nominations and accolades throughout her basketball career, particularly during her time at Northwestern University, where she was recognized for her exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
Nia Coffey Awards Won
Throughout her career, Nia Coffey has achieved significant milestones, including being named to the first-team All-Big Ten four times and being recognized as a McDonald’s All-American in 2013.
Nia Coffey Family
Nia Coffey is the daughter of Richard Coffey, a former NBA player, and has a brother, Amir Coffey, who currently plays in the NBA. The Coffey family has a strong basketball lineage, contributing to Nia’s passion and dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Nia Coffey maintains a private personal life, focusing primarily on her basketball career. As a professional athlete, she continues to strive for excellence on the court while representing her family legacy in the sport.
