Even though Sarah Cathryn Snellgrove has only been swinging for around five months, she has already made some serious waves.

Since “Saddie-Cat,” as her family and friends call her, joined the Troy Tiger Sharks swim team she has been bringing attention to a sport that may sometimes get overlooked to the city of Troy.

Last month, 11-year-old qualified for the Southeastern regional competition, which was being held in Nashville, Tn.

Over 1,000 kids were invited to the competition, while just 100 were selected in her age group.

She qualified for three different events as well, the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle, however, was unable to attend due to illness.

Still, the accomplishment of being recognized was enough for Snellgrove.

“It was awesome that I qualified for (the competition),” she said. “I want to thank my coaches and teammates for everything they have done for me.

“I am kind of sad that I wasn’t able to go, but there is always next year,” she added.

While Snellgrove qualified thanks to her ability to swim the freestyle, that is not the only form she has in the pool.

She also competes in the backstroke competitions, specifically, the 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard races.

The Luverne native has also begun working on a new form – the butterfly.

What does it take for someone who has only been swimming competitively for less than a year to competing with some of the best around the region?

A lot of practice.

Snellgrove said she usually practices three nights a week at Troy, for close to two hours, but does it because she loves it.

“I love to be in the water and to be swimming,” she said.

That’s the way she has been all her life, according to her father and mother, Al and Robin.

“She has been able to swim just as long as she has been able to walk,” Al Snellgrove said.

“As soon as we found out about the Tiger Sharks, we signed her up.

“We are very proud of what Sarah has been able to accomplish,” he added.