She was the youngest of six children raised by Waka and Paddy Coffin in Piopio,[1] close to Mokaukohunui marae.

[3][4] Jenny-May Coffin played in New Zealand domestic netball leagues since 1995 and the National Bank Cup since 1998.

With the National Bank Cup replaced by the ANZ Championship in 2008, Coffin was signed with the Southern Steel on a two-year contract.

[5] Coffin announced her return to competitive netball in October 2009, signing with the Northern Mystics for the 2010 ANZ Championship season.

[8] In April 2018 after the Silver Ferns failed to qualify for a medal at the Commonwealth Games, Clarkson's question about whether the team had pride in the black dress, asked of captain Katrina Rore, was criticised as being too harsh.