HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball player Kailey Coffey as a member of its 2020-21 Academic All-America First Team.
“Four years ago, I walked on at NKU because people made it feel like home, and I was even more sure of my decision because of the athletic and academic opportunities I would have,” said Coffey. “I could not have wished for a better college experience; everyone that I came in contact with – my teammates, coaches, administrators, professors and classmates – made me better, either on the court, in the classroom or as a person. This award is simply speak volumes of the people at NKU. I am so appreciative to be the representative of this honor, but I am even more thankful that God gave me the privilege of being a member of the NKU family.”
“Kailey is a true example of what NKU Athletics and our women’s basketball team represents,” exclaimed Camryn Whitaker, head coach of the Norse. “She has a deep faith, genuinely cares for people, has a tireless work ethic and is truly grateful for each day. I am thankful Kailey chose NKU to spend her college career! Her academic success is a testament to who Kailey is as a person and I am glad I had the honor to coach her for four years.”
A double major in Chemistry and Biochemistry (Pre-Vet), Coffey graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and is continuing her academic pursuits at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She recorded over 125 hours performing organic chemistry research and approximately 90 hours shadowing veterinarians as an undergraduate. At the conclusion of her undergraduate studies, Coffey was also honored with Northern Kentucky University’s ACS Analytical Chemistry Award.
On the court, Coffey graduated sixth on NKU’s all-time rebounding list with 808 boards after registering the seventh-most starts in program history (110). Over the course of her 111-game career, she averaged 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
She becomes NKU’s fifth student-athlete to garner recognition as a CoSIDA Academic All-American in the Division I era, joining baseball’s Will Haueter (2018 first team, 2019 first team), men’s soccer’s Rikard Lindqvist (2018 third team, 2019 second team) and women’s cross country/track & field athletes Clare Field (2015 third team) and BriAuna Keys (2019 third team).
To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve and have played in at least 50 percent of a team’s contests while sporting a minimum 3.30 GPA while garnering recognition as a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree that year.
