For Sarah Staats, swimming is normal for her. It’s where she she’s relaxed and comfortable. It’s where she’s in her element.

Senior Sarah Staats qualified for Missouri State swimming championship in the 200 IM in 2 minutes and 17 seconds.  

Sarah’s first trip to state will take place at the St. Peters Rec Plex on Friday, Feb. 17th and Saturday, Feb. 18th.

Swimming is not an easy sport and it’s definitely very demanding. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work.

Staats has worked extremely hard over the past years to become the incredible swimmer she is today.

When she was a freshman, she swam for Timberland High School and for the past three years she has been swimming for Liberty’s swim team.

Staats practices up to two hours every day. Sarah not only practices during swim season, but she conditions during her off season too.

She also weight lifts every day before school and she is training to be a bodybuilder.

“Swimming is definitely challenging, especially not being able to breathe,” Staats said.

Staats has a lot of support from her family and friends and this helps her to do well as a swimmer. They push her to be a better athlete.

“I’m so proud of her. She has worked so hard for where she is,” said sophomore and teammate Zoe Killingsworth.

Sarah’s swim coach, Mrs. Webb is very proud of Sarah and all the hard work she has put into getting to where she is today.

“Sarah is a very well-rounded athlete,” Webb said, “She is very mindful to make healthy eating choices. Sarah is also very mentally tough and knows what it takes to race. She always puts forth her best effort.”  

Mrs. Webb feels that Sarah has the ability to make the top 16 at this competition.

Sarah doesn’t think she will continue swimming after high school, but she says that swimming has impacted her life in a positive way and has made her a much better athlete.