CHRIS CODUTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Shawntinice Polk has made the difference this season for the women's basketball team.

As the old saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait."

None could be truer for the women's basketball team and freshman center stand-out Shawntinice Polk.

Polk committed to the Wildcats in the fall of 2000 and the expectations of her were already high.

She came out of Hanford, Calif. as one of the top high school players in the nation and in four years at Hanford High School scored 2,163 points, grabbed 1,326 rebounds and had 384 blocks. However, all was not well for Polk.

She was unable to play at Arizona the following season because she did not academically qualify. Instead, she worked the fall semester and became eligible to join the team for the second half of the 2001-2002 season. She redshirted with the Wildcats and worked to improve her skills and adapted to the college game.

"(Redshirting) was all for the better," said Polk. "The outcome was great and it really helped me adapt and get into shape."

"She has gone through some major things, but has really done well," said head coach Joan Bonvicini. "We knew that she was talented, but I never knew how much of an impact she would make."

Her impact would be felt immediately.

In Arizona's season-opening game against No. 3 Louisiana State, Polk poured in a season-high 29 points and added 11 rebounds. This was the best debut of an Arizona freshman in the program's 30-year history. She led the Wildcats to a near upset of the Tigers with a 78-71 overtime loss, but more importantly, it marked the official arrival of Polk and she hasn't slowed down since.

From her first game to her most recent 23-point performance at Oregon, Polk has been a constant contributor to the Wildcats.

"The thing with her that is really impressive is that she has been consistent. That's the thing about being a very good player," said Bonvicini. "You are not always going to play your best, but she is always consistent."

She is leading the team in both scoring (17.6) and rebounding (11.3). Polk has only been held to single-digit scoring numbers once, against Ohio State, and that game she was playing ill. She has also only had three games in which she did not get more than nine rebounds.

On the season Polk has 15 double-doubles, which ties her for the season's best in UA women's basketball history.

With all of the success the California native has found, she is still not satisfied with where she is.

"I expect a lot more (out of myself)," said Polk. "I know I can do a lot more for my team, as a freshman I have a lot more to learn."

She might not be too impressed with her play so far this season, but many people around the country are.

Following Arizona's 71-65 overtime loss to Oregon State, Beavers head coach Judy Spoelstra had plenty to say about Polk.

"Personally, I think Shawntinice Polk is the freshman Player of the Year in the nation," Spoelstra said. "She is a great player and it was a big challenge for our posts."

In the Jan. 20 edition of Sports Illustrated, Polk was named as one of five "Players Who Are Elevating the Game."

Polk is quick to turn the attention from her to the team.

"All I think about is finishing up the Pacific-10 (Conference) not losing any more games and making it to the (NCAA) tournament," said Polk.

Typical response, said Bonvicini.

"The thing I really like about her is it is always about the team," said Bonvicini. "When the team does well, that is when she is happy. She really deflects the attention and means that sincerely."

As the number one rebounder and number two scorer in the conference, many people are talking about the possibilities of Polk winning the Pac-10 Player of the Year award. However, she said she has never really thought about it.

"All that stuff is irrelevant. The team is what is important. It's not about personal goals," said Polk.

While Polk has been putting up huge individual numbers, the Wildcats have been winning. Arizona (14-6, 7-4) is currently tied for third in the Pac-10 and has spent nine weeks in the Associated Press's Poll, but last week's loss to Oregon State dropped the Wildcats from the top 25 rankings for the first time in two months.

That was the first time since Feb. 2001 that Arizona had been in the national rankings, almost a two-year wait. However, if Polk continues her play, the Wildcats won't have to wait long for there next spot in the national rankings.