Patience, dedication, energy, perseverance.

Patience.

That has been the biggest factor in Brittany Wilkins’ tenure on the ISU women’s basketball team. Throughout her career, Wilkins had taken a back seat to seniors or other leaders. But in her final season as a Cyclone, the senior is now expected to be a leader on the court.

Those are lofty expectations for someone who had only started in 18 games in three seasons, including just one last year. So far, however, she’s passed with flying colors.

Through three games this season, Wilkins is fourth on the team in total minutes per game at 31. She has he highest field goal percentage, shooting 22-of-35, and leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game.

“My biggest thing right now is just my effort all the time,” Wilkins said.

“Points and rebounds will come if I have a good effort.” Through her three games this season, Wilkins has shown the nation the team that lost four starters from a year ago isn’t just going to roll over.

With the bulk of the returning experience in juniors Lyndsey Medders and Megan Ronhovde, Wilkins continued to soar under the radar. Coach Bill Fennelly had said before the season that Wilkins needed to find a level of consistency. Although it is very early in the season, her team-leading 56 points has opened some eyes.

“She’s off to a great start and, if that continues, that will dramatically impact our ability to win games,” Fennelly said. “Now we’re talking in terms of, ‘What are we going to do without her?'”

That’s not necessarily a position Wilkins expected to be in when the season tipped off, but she’s happy to be there.

“I’ve always thought the best feeling is being needed by a team, and my team needs me right now,” Wilkins said. “Whatever I can do to help, I’ll do it.”

It is that mentality that has raised some eyebrows on the team. Wilkins has rocketed herself from reserve player to starter by simply focusing on the little things.

“Britt is always going to be successful no matter what, because she plays hard,” Medders said. “She’s a good example for everyone else.”

Wilkins has observed Ronhovde and Medders, who, despite only being juniors, have already learned how to handle the leadership roles.

“Us three are pretty close,” Wilkins said. “We’re working into respecting each other and doing what we do best as leaders.”

Medders said Wilkins is doing exactly what the Cyclones need her to do.

“The chemistry between the three of us is very important, and we made sure that the three of us are always on the same page with stuff,” Medders said. “We’ve emphasized that a bit more lately.”

Wilkins showed she was capable of breakout games last season after pouring in 10 points in 19 minutes against UNLV, an overtime victory for the Cyclones.

“Britt won that game for us,” Fennelly said. “She’s done it in the past, but not with any level of consistency. She’s practiced with consistency and she’s played with that.”

So how did such a transformation take place?

“You have to go into it fearless and not scared of messing up,” Wilkins said. “I can’t do it myself and Lyndsey can’t do it herself and Megan can’t do it herself. Us three come together, group up and lead this whole team, which is going to be huge for us in the long run.”

Cyclone nation couldn’t be happier, either.

“There isn’t a player who’s played at Iowa State that more people are rooting for than Britt,” Fennelly said. “She’s got a lot of confidence right now, and her teammates have a lot of confidence in her.”

The newfound role has had Wilkins become a bigger asset to Iowa State than anyone had imagined. She has become a piece of the puzzle – one that the Cyclones need to remain consistent.

“She’s kind of been in the shadows,” Fennelly said. “Good teams have people who find ways to win.”