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Tragic news from the UofA.
UA basketball player Polk dies
Tucson Citizen
JEFF STANTON/Tucson Citizen
Polk was the top player on the UA team
University of Arizona women's basketball player Shawntinice Polk died earlier today after collapsing at McKale Center, the school said.
She was 22.
The 6-foot-5 senior center from Hanford, Calif., had just arrived at McKale and had not been working out or practicing, the school said.
She was taken to University Medical Center, but a cause of death was not released.
Polk had an asthma problem, but UA athletic director Jim Livengood said he did not know if it contributed to her death.
He did not have information on when, or if, an autopsy would be performed.
"This is a tragic day for Shawntinice's family and the University of Arizona," he said. "We simply feel for everyone who knew this wonderful young woman."
An emotional UA president Peter Likins, also from Hanford, Calif., said he befriended Polk when she was a high school recruit. He has a photo of her in his office.
"She was a very special human being who overcame a lot of obstacles to realize her full potential," Likins told reporters. "She was a beautiful, beautiful person who I will cherish the rest of (my) life."
UA coach Joan Bonvicini was on a recruiting trip in Los Angeles but was expected to return this afternoon to meet with members of the team.
Livengood said counselors and other specialists were available to talk to student-athletes.
"Those of you who didn't know her. That is your shortcoming," Livengood said. "This is a young lady who was one of a kind. That smile was infectious. Everything about her was infectious."
Polk was a three-time honorable mention All-American and All-Pac-10 selection.
She was Arizona's career leader with 46 double-doubles and had 79 double-digit scoring performances in her three seasons. Polk ranked first on the UA career list in rebounding average (9.7 a game).
Polk was the Pacific-10 Conference's active leading career scorer and rebounder with 1,467 points and 914 rebounds.
She was named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason All-American Team and was one of 25 preseason candidates for the Wade Trophy, given to the nation's top women's basketball player.
Services are pending, the school said.
UA basketball player Polk dies
Tucson Citizen
JEFF STANTON/Tucson Citizen
Polk was the top player on the UA team
University of Arizona women's basketball player Shawntinice Polk died earlier today after collapsing at McKale Center, the school said.
She was 22.
The 6-foot-5 senior center from Hanford, Calif., had just arrived at McKale and had not been working out or practicing, the school said.
She was taken to University Medical Center, but a cause of death was not released.
Polk had an asthma problem, but UA athletic director Jim Livengood said he did not know if it contributed to her death.
He did not have information on when, or if, an autopsy would be performed.
"This is a tragic day for Shawntinice's family and the University of Arizona," he said. "We simply feel for everyone who knew this wonderful young woman."
An emotional UA president Peter Likins, also from Hanford, Calif., said he befriended Polk when she was a high school recruit. He has a photo of her in his office.
"She was a very special human being who overcame a lot of obstacles to realize her full potential," Likins told reporters. "She was a beautiful, beautiful person who I will cherish the rest of (my) life."
UA coach Joan Bonvicini was on a recruiting trip in Los Angeles but was expected to return this afternoon to meet with members of the team.
Livengood said counselors and other specialists were available to talk to student-athletes.
"Those of you who didn't know her. That is your shortcoming," Livengood said. "This is a young lady who was one of a kind. That smile was infectious. Everything about her was infectious."
Polk was a three-time honorable mention All-American and All-Pac-10 selection.
She was Arizona's career leader with 46 double-doubles and had 79 double-digit scoring performances in her three seasons. Polk ranked first on the UA career list in rebounding average (9.7 a game).
Polk was the Pacific-10 Conference's active leading career scorer and rebounder with 1,467 points and 914 rebounds.
She was named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason All-American Team and was one of 25 preseason candidates for the Wade Trophy, given to the nation's top women's basketball player.
Services are pending, the school said.
