Coffman’s MVP performance leads Hicks to fourth straight state title

LEESVILLE, La. (KALB) - Every high school athlete dreams of winning a state title, but for Hicks’ Avery Coffman, she not only accomplished that but did so in all four years of high school.

In her final game in a Lady Pirates’ jersey, Coffman scored the first 12 points in the Class C state title, finishing the game with 23 points and six steals. She not only helped lead her team to another championship but earned her second straight Most Outstanding Player award.

“We did so much stuff that was just so unnoticed that people don’t understand what we had to do to get to that point,” said Coffman.

Hicks Head Coach Mike Charrier has had the chance to watch his senior guard grow over the years and said she’s been a true captain for the team both on and off the court.

“There’s no doubt that Avery topped off her career at Hicks in phenomenal fashion,” said Coach Charrier. “Not only has she had a phenomenal year shooting, but most importantly, it’s been her leadership.”

Two years ago, the school lost its gym during Hurricane Laura and has since had to play their home games at other schools and even created a makeshift dirt court to practice drills on.

Despite all the obstacles, Coffman, alongside her senior teammate Lauren Quinn, stayed strong to not only overcome adversity but to compete on the highest level year in and year out.

“It hasn’t been fun. It’s really sucked actually,” said Coffman on the obstacles they’ve faced. “I’ve had nights where I remember when the gym got totaled and I asked if we were going to have a gym. Two years later, we still don’t. It’s my senior year and I’m upset about it because I grew up in that gym and it’s heartbreaking for all that to happen.”

Hicks’ story has not only reached the surrounding communities but national news as well. The team was followed by national television crews during their state title run and was even in the New York Times to help bring a spotlight to the struggles they’ve had to overcome.

Being a national celebrity and a state champ has been fun for Coffman, but perhaps what she enjoys the most is being able to have bragging rights at home. Coffman’s mother was a two-time state champ at Simpson High School when she played, but now Coffman has her beat and will always be able to brag about it.

“I told her I got you beat, double,” said Coffman. “She was a shooting guard too, but I just remind her every single day.”

After finishing her high school career with a perfect record in the state tournament, Coffman will be attending LSUE to continue her career at the next level.

Click here to report a typo. Please provide the title of the article in your email.

Copyright 2022 KALB. All rights reserved.