FARMINGTON HILLS, MI -- Heading into the girls swim season this fall, Katie Minnich's dominance in the 100-yard backstroke had already been well known. As the state champion in the event as a freshman and sophomore, Minnich returned for her junior season this fall with every intention of defending he title.

Not only did Minnich defend her title, the Farmington Hills Mercy standout also posted the fastest 100-yard backstroke time ever a Division 1 championship meet, swimming a time of 53.99 in the prelims.

"I just want to swim as fast as I can," Minnich told MHSAA Second Half. "You always want to compete against the best. You always want to see what your times are. We're all just focused on winning."

For her efforts this year, Minnich is the 2016 MLive Detroit Swimmer of the Year for the girls season, an award she also won as a sophomore last year.

"I like to use the phrase, swim in your own lane," Mercy coach Mike Venos told MHSAA Second Half. "She swims in her own lane. You don't let anything affect you. You don’t think about the person next to you. The minute you get into trouble is when you’re trying to control those things you can’t control. If you’re in a place where you are in a process, doing the things you need to do, you’re in a good place."

With still a year left in her high school swimming career, Minnich currently has four of the top six Division 1 state championship meet times in the 100-yard backstroke.