Shawntinice Polk came to the UA four years ago as a shy, self-conscious young woman who was big on promise.
Today, potential fulfilled, she will become an Arizona legend.
Polk's No. 00 jersey will be retired following today's home finale against Stanford, making her the fifth UA basketball player — and first woman — to earn the honor at McKale Center.
Polk died Sept. 26 when a blood clot made its way to her lungs.
A banner with her uniform number will join similar banners honoring Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr, Mike Bibby and Jason Gardner in McKale Center. Her jersey will hang, larger than life, between sections 114 and 115.
" 'Polkey' had an impact," UA coach Joan Bonvicini said. "She was special from the moment she came here. To watch her blossom, and watch her personality blossom, was just a special thing."
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On the court, Polk ranks among the best in program history. She set Arizona's career record for double-doubles (46) and rebounds a game (9.7), despite playing three injury-plagued seasons. She was a three-time All-Pac-10 selection and a two-time Wooden Award candidate.
But to those who knew her, Polk was more than just a dominant player. She was the soul of the program, an gregarious personality who enjoyed speaking to children and taking freshmen under her wing.
It wasn't always that way. Polk originally failed to qualify academically. She was admittedly overweight, overworked and overwhelmed once she started practicing.
"She wasn't sure she could be successful at this level," Bonvicini said. "But with every pound she lost, she gained confidence. We realized she was funny, and she could appeal to people her own age. Opponents liked her and respected her, which you don't see a lot."
Polk thrived as she became more comfortable with the UA and college competition.
She averaged 17.4 points and 10.8 rebounds as a freshman and 15.5 points and 10.3 rebounds as a sophomore. Her numbers dropped last season due to injury, but the Wildcats still advanced to the NCAA tournament's second round.
This season was supposed to be Polk's grand exit. She had off-season knee surgery and talked openly about leading the UA to a Pac-10 championship and its first Final Four berth.
"She wanted to go the WNBA," UA senior Natalie Jones said. "She wanted to help her family out."
Those dreams never materialized, leaving the UA with just two seniors. Jones, who has led the team all season, will be honored today along with forward Anna Chappell.
The results haven't been good for this year's UA team. The Cats are 7-19, and will almost certainly finish with the program's most losses since 1990-91. Still, Jones said the team will continue to fight.
Polk, she said, would want them to.
"A team like this can fold up, but we're not," Jones said. "I learned from 'Polkey' that no matter what you're going through, never fold."
Today
● Who: Stanford at Arizona
● Where: McKale Center
● When: 2 p.m.
● Radio: 1330-AM
