Nia Coffey signed a training camp contract with the Los Angeles Sparks, and she’s excited to play with the iconic organization. Coffey’s Brother, Amir Coffey, plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. Everything’s coming full circle for them.
Coffey says she looks forward to playing with all the veterans on the Sparks, such as Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and Seimone Augustus. Coffey can’t wait to see what they bring to the game, and she feels they will help her develop and as a player on and off the court.
“Seeing how Nneka is such an amazing leader for us throughout the WNBA, I’m excited to have that different perspective of her leadership as a teammate.”
The young guard is used to playing with a talented roster. Last season in Phoenix, Coffey was a teammate with stars such as Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Her experience with them will contribute to the role she has to play with the Sparks.
“It was a memorable experience. You hear from other people and other players. It’s an amazing opportunity to see that. You see the work ethic they bring and how they carry themselves,” says Coffey.
Basketball was instilled in Coffey and her brother Amir Coffey at a young age, and they believed it was the route to go in life. Coffey said it’s great to see everything worked out for them.
Coffey discussed her brother is evolving as a player, and she never imagined they would be in the same city. “Seeing how our journey’s been different, we landed in the same city. It’s amazing to see.
I look forward to being in the same city. We haven’t been together since college.”
Amir spoke with reporters via zoom on Wednesday. He says, “It’s a blessing. My sister has been back and forth from the WNBA to overseas, continuing her dream, and now we’re in the same city. I’m happy for her. Throughout our journey, there are going to be highs and lows. Seeing what she goes through gives me the sense of hard work and perseverance.”
Being in the basketball environment and competing with his sisters helped them become professional basketball players. “Ever since I can remember when we were working out and playing basketball, my dad use to take us to the gym until we went off to college. We took that and ran with it for our professional careers.”
As a young player, (Nia) Coffey says she understands why WNBA is one of the most challenging leagues. With only twelve teams, twelve roster spots, there are only a few opportunities. She says, “When you’re so young, you are used to things just working out.” Nia will fight to make the twelve-woman roster before the WNBA season starts soon.
Coffey says you must understand what you bring to the table, what makes you unique, and how you can be versatile. She states, “I’m always focused on what I can add to a team instead of focusing on the outcome because it takes away from the journey.”
She continues, “There’s going to be peaks and valleys. You have to understand the valleys don’t last too long.” Coffey believes it is essential to find your niche and your team that fits you best. “So I try to just stay focused on, what I can do, how can I get better, and how I can grow.
