Coates grew up in south London, with her brother Gary, and trained at the ice rink in Streatham. Competing with Alan Abretti, she won silver medals at the 1985 and 1986 British Championships and at the 1986 Fujifilm Trophy. The duo placed 16th at the 1986 World Championships and competed at two European Championships, achieving their highest placement, 11th, in 1986.