Netball: Coffin closes lid on career

Twenty years after making her debut at the national championships for King Country, Southern Steel midcourter Jenny-May Coffin is hanging up her bib.

The 34-year-old television presenter yesterday announced she was reluctantly ending her playing career.

Coffin had signed with the Steel for the 2009 ANZ Championship but increased work commitments have forced her to draw the curtain on a glittering career.

Coffin, who played 26 test for the Silver Ferns, has a new role as TVNZ's weekend sports presenter and, while it is an excellent opportunity, she told the Otago Daily Times the news was bittersweet.

"It is probably a good description, bittersweet, because it felt like that when I got offered the job," she said.

"I'm having to give away something I have a passion for. But it does not mean I'll completely walk away from the game.

"I can't play in the ANZ Championship next year but it does not mean my association with the game will stop."

Coffin made her debut in the national championships for King Country when perms were still in fashion. It was 1988 and she was just 14.

In the two decades since, remarkably she has missed just one national championship tournament. That was in 1994 when she was at Police College.

It is testament to her durability, athleticism and sheer bloody-mindedness, probably.

Even now, with her television career taking off, the fierce competitor simply cannot walk away from the game she loves.

She is planning a return to the court, well, the sidelines at least.

"It [coaching] is something I've always talked about wanting to do over the last few years as my [playing] career was winding down.

It is something I would like to eventually get into but this is an opportunity you just can't pass by," she said of her new role with TVNZ.

Coffin is one of the few athletes who have made a successful transition from sportswomen to broadcaster.

She is a confident interviewer and has an engaging presence on the small screen.

Coffin, who is playing for Auckland Waitakere at the national championships in Rotorua this week, injured her knee in Thursday's game against Waikato and did not take the court in yesterday's semifinal against Otago.

She is hoping to be fit for today's game, but said at this stage of her career, would not be too disappointed if she could not get back out on court for a "fairytale" ending.

"I'm probably well past sentimental endings. What will be will be. I'm not too fussed for myself.

"I'm more worried about what the girls will feel like if they don't achieve what they know they are capable of."

Coffin was a regular in the Silver Ferns squad from 1997 to 2002 but struggled to name just one highlight.

"I've had many highlights which is a nice thing to be able to say."

Injuries and missing out on teams had been disappointing at times but more than compensated for by the joy the sport has given her over the past 20-plus years.

Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said Coffin would be missed both on and off the court.

"Not only is she an extremely talented player, her commitment and leadership skills made her an integral team member."

Paterson hoped to name a replacement for Coffin as soon as possible as the franchise has to confirm a finalised squad with Netball New Zealand by November 1.