Despite being Grand Finalists this year, Ringwood Lady Hawks Coach Tim Mottin has had a very busy off season and his team will take on a brand new look for the 2017 Big V season. Mottin this week has announced his first import signing, Minnesota born guard Sydney Coffey.

Coffey has recently finished a stellar career at Marist College in New York, finishing 4th as the school’s all-time scoring leader, including nearly 16 points per game in her senior year. Not just a scorer, Coffey grabbed close to 4 rebounds per game and dished 3.6 assists per game. Coffey also left Marist with a swag of personal awards including All MAAC first team selection and a single game high of 38 points against Canisius.
“Sydney was exactly the type of person and player we were looking for.” Mottin said.
“She is a scorer, a good passer, good defender and her height gives us the opportunity to have a quicker line up on the court.”

What makes Coffey special is the fact she is a great outside shooter, explosively quick off the dribble and is the height of many post players at 6 feet tall. Coffey may be called upon to shut down short quick guards or bigs in post-up situations that will give the Hawks great flexibility.

As for Coffey, her background in Basketball started from the day she was born to Richard and Sheba Coffey in Minnesota. Richard was a star at the University of Minnesota and then enjoyed a 52 game career in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Richard has clearly had an impact on Sydney and her two other siblings who are doing great things in the family sport.

As the eldest, Sydney can also lay claim to having a big influence on her younger sister Nia and the baby of the family Amir. Nia is currently still in College at Northwestern and is considered one of the Countries top players, she is a lock to be drafted high in the WNBA when her school commitments are completed. For Amir, the 6’8 Freshman has followed his father to the University of Minnesota and is already drawing huge interest from NBA scouts that see him as a possible superstar in the next few years.

Due to arrive in Ringwood in late January, what exactly does Coffey know about Australia and what it waiting for her?
“Everyone talks about how gorgeous the Country is, it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.” Coffey said. “But I have also heard the insects are huge, especially spiders. I really do not like spiders.”

Apart from purchasing plenty of bug spray, Coffey has a visit to the Sydney Opera House high on her list of things to do whilst Down Under. In an ironic twist, it was Richard who visit to the Opera House in the late 80’s when doing a tour with the Golden Gophers, that led to his first born being called Sydney. Richard loved what he saw of Australia and now Sydney is headed this way.

There is no doubt that the Hawks have managed to find themselves a quality person and a talented Basketball player. With their pre-season due to start, Coffey will be ready to go and is excited to be joining a Club that has enjoyed great success in recent years. “I know they have been winning program but it’s the family atmosphere that is really awesome.”
“I can’t wait to get their and build relationships with my teammates and all the kids in the program.”