Basketball

Northwestern forward Nia Coffey was named to the coaches’ preseason All-Big Ten team, the conference announced Thursday.

The sophomore, who averaged 15.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, was left off the media’s all-conference team.

At Big Ten Media Day on Thursday, Coffey said she focused on shooting during the offseason and has been working with a dietician to improve her eating habits.

She also said she brings a different perspective to the season mentally.

“Now that I have a year of experience,” she said. “I know what to expect and how to feel about the season, what I need to do to help the team and what I need to ask the team to help us win.”

NU coach Joe McKeown praised Coffey’s attitude and work ethic.

“Her work ethic since the season ended has been incredible,” McKeown said. “She’s very, very humble, that’s what I love about her. … She has that skill and talent, she has that drive, and she thinks she’s the worst player on the team. She has that humbleness, and she wants to get better every day.”

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