Atlanta Dream’s Nia Coffey expected to lift Townsville Fire to the next level
A top-level player is about to step off a plane from the United States to add some extra firepower to the Townsville Fire’s line-up. Find out who she is.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Extra firepower is about to touch down in North Queensland from the United States to reinforce the Townsville Fire’s bid to secure another WNBL championship title.
Head coach Shannon Seebohm confirmed on Monday morning that the team’s newest signing, forward Nia Coffey, 29, was on the verge of landing at Townsville Airport ahead of her first game for the Fire on Saturday night.
No stranger to the WNBL after competing for Adelaide Lightning six years ago, or the WNBA after playing for several teams – most recently with Atlanta Dream – Coffey’s exceptional skills, athleticism, and leadership will strengthen the Fire’s line-up, and be warmly welcomed by fans at The Firepit.
After hearing good reviews from everybody he’s spoken to, Mr Seebohm said they were all excited and looking forward to welcoming Coffey with open arms.
“She’s a good player, (and a) really good person. Last time she was out here, she was a really effective player and we’re hoping she’ll be something similar for us this time,” Mr Seebohm said.
“When we decided to make the move, and free up an import spot, we took our time to see what was going to be available and … what we may need.
“I feel like the versatility (Coffey) will give us, the ability to defend multiple positions, I think is going to be big for us down the stretch, and (we’re) hoping that Nia comes in, hits the ground running, and we can get her to gel with the team really quickly.”
Coffey’s three-point shooting ability, exceptional defence skills, and experience at the highest level of basketball will prove invaluable as the third-placed team battles for a higher rung on the WNBL ladder.
The coach said they would watch to see how Coffey went in her first couple of games and make some adjustments to how they play as they get to know her better.
“Hopefully she really fits in nicely and if we can make the playoffs, hopefully we’re playing our best basketball at the right time of the year,” he said.
In a statement, Coffey said she was excited to return to Australia and compete in such an incredible league.
“I’m especially excited to join Townsville Fire and play under Coach Shannon. It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of this organisation, and I’m looking forward to getting started,” Coffey said.
Townsville Fire general manager Sam Pascoe said they took their time figuring out what the team required and who would be a good fit.
“We’re really lucky this season. We have a phenomenal bunch of people in our team, and so … it was about finding that complimentary piece to those exceptional people,” Ms Pascoe said.
“I think that Nia is that person. I’ve spoken to her a lot over the last couple of weeks. She’s really excited to get here to play for Townsville and be a part of it.”
To secure a seat for Coffey’s Fire debut this Saturday, visit the Ticketek website.
More Coverage
Originally published as Atlanta Dream’s Nia Coffey expected to lift Townsville Fire to the next level
‘It’s not a good look’: Business owners plea to fix CBD
Townsville is set for an increase in tourism in 2025, but local business owners say “it’s such a shame” tourists will be exposed to a run down CBD.
‘Tumbleweeds’: Business’ push to improve CBD for cruise ships
Dirty streets, anti-social behaviour, vacant buildings and a lack of options for cruise ship passengers are some of the challenges facing Townsville’s CBD. See how our business leaders want to fix it.