Nia Coffey is an American professional basketball player who plays as a forward for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Renowned for her athleticism, defense, and versatility, she is also celebrated as one of the greatest players in Northwestern University history.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: June 11, 1995
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Place of Birth: Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
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Weight: 182 lbs (83 kg)
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Position: Small Forward
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High School: Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minnesota)
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Family: Daughter of former NBA player Richard Coffey; sister to WNBA player Sydney Coffey and NBA player Amir Coffey
College Career
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School: Northwestern University (2013–2017)
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Accolades:
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First player in school history to make All-Big Ten First Team all four years
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AP All-America Honorable Mention as a senior
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Northwestern’s career leader in rebounds, field goal attempts, free throws made/attempted
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Second in career points (2,287) and blocked shots (229)
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Fifth player in Big Ten history with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds
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Notable:
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Broke school records for most rebounds in a season and most consecutive games scoring in double figures
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Led Northwestern in scoring and rebounding all four years
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 2017, 1st round, 5th overall (San Antonio Stars) – highest draft pick in Northwestern history
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Teams:
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San Antonio Stars / Las Vegas Aces (2017–2018)
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Atlanta Dream (2019, 2022–present)
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Phoenix Mercury (2020)
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Los Angeles Sparks (2021)
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International:
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Played professionally in Israel, Australia, Poland, Turkey, and France
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2024 Season:
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Appeared in all 40 games for Atlanta, averaging 3.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game
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Surpassed 1,000 career WNBA points
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Notched a season-high 11 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in a single game
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Career Highlights:
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Career-high 23 points (2018), multiple double-doubles, and known for defensive impact (career-high 6 blocks in a game)
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National and International Play
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Represented Team USA at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship, setting a team record for most free throws without a miss in the tournament (11).
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Athleticism, shot-blocking, rebounding, and three-point shooting
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Versatile defender and reliable role player
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Style:
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Left-handed forward, excels in transition, and known for energy and defensive presence
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Achievements & Honors
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All-Big Ten First Team (four years)
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AP All-America Honorable Mention
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Northwestern Hall of Fame Inductee
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Surpassed 200 WNBA career games and 1,000 career points
FAQs About Nia Coffey
What position does Nia Coffey play?
Small forward
Which team does she play for?
Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
How old is Nia Coffey?
29 (born June 11, 1995)
What are her main achievements?
All-Big Ten First Team (4x), Northwestern Hall of Fame, 1,000+ WNBA career points
What is her playing style?
Athletic, versatile, and defensive-minded forward
Conclusion
Nia Coffey stands out as a dynamic and experienced forward in the WNBA, combining athleticism, defense, and leadership. Her record-setting college career and consistent professional contributions make her a respected figure in women’s basketball.
