Photo by Yellowjacket Athletics
By: Andrew McGill
In his second year, Head Coach Greg Polkowski is leading the University of Wisconsin-Superior
(UWS) men’s basketball program toward greater accomplishments on and off the court.
A Wisconsin native, Coach Polkowski graduated from UWS in 2008 with a B.S. degree in
physical education. As a student, Polkowski played 58 games for the Yellowjackets, and he
commented at that time, “I was able to be a part of so many positive experiences and create
relationships with great people, who are still some of my closest friends. We all have great pride
that we were fortunate to represent UWS men’s basketball.” Having been a student-athlete,
Coach Polkowski brings insider knowledge and enthusiastic pride in the university.
Having a diverse background of coaching experiences, Coach Polkowski first joined Coach Dave
Buchanan as an assistant for the Yellowjackets in 2008-2009. He then followed Coach
Buchanan to Carroll University, where he was an assistant coach. While at Carroll, he helped the
Pioneers reach the Midwest Conference Championship game. During this time, Coach
Polkowski furthered his education and received a Master’s Degree in Education.
Subsequently, Coach Polkowski took the head coaching position at Waukesha High School in
Waukesha, WI. Under Coach Polkowski, the North Stars won the 2015 regional championship.
Following those successes, Coach Polkowski joined Matt Siverling as assistant coach at UW-Eau
Claire. As assistant coach, Polkowski helped lead the Blugolds to one of the top teams in the
nation from 2015-2017.
Polkowski said, “My years at UW-Eau Claire greatly influenced me because Coach Siverling
was building his program. He allowed me to work in every area to give a positive impact to the
program. These experiences in player development, recruiting, fundraising, camps, game
planning, and community relations prepared me to be a college head coach. Along with these
experiences, I worked with great people who had a wealth of knowledge that I could learn from.”
With such diverse coaching skills, Coach Polkowski hopes to lead the Yellowjackets to the same
successes, plus even more, at UWS.
During the 2017-2018 UWS basketball season, Polkowski was named the interim head coach.
In an interview with the Superior Telegram Polkowski describes, “the opportunity to come back
to UWS as the head men’s coach is something that I truly have only dreamed about. Since
completing my time as a student-athlete in 2008, I have always thought that the experiences I
have encountered would prepare me to be the head UWS basketball coach, if I was ever
fortunate enough to have the opportunity. Now, that it is a reality, and I am extremely grateful
for this opportunity.”
After leading the Yellowjackets to a 7-18 record his first season, Polkowski was named the head
men’s basketball coach.
There are many plans for the future with Coach Polkowski explaining, “My goal is to build a
program that will compete at the highest level along with representing UWS and the community
in a positive light. It is imperative to our vision that we bring student-athletes to UWS that
embody hard work, passion, positive energy, character and a desire to be great on and off the
court. This vision will ultimately allow the men’s program to achieve our goal of competing at
the highest level possible.”
Coach Polkowski has led the Yellowjackets to a 2-9 record thus far in the 2018-2019 season with
plenty of games remaining.
Additionally, the Yellowjacket team has volunteered with several community organizations, as
well as helping with UWS volunteer groups. Building character in his athletes is very important
to Coach Polkowski, and he encourages dedication to academics, community volunteerism, as
well as a full commitment on the court.
