POULSBO — The Piranhas Swim Team, which once was minnow-sized, has grown.

The North Kitsap-based swim program has swelled to 45 or 50 members, and will add a Masters’ program beginning in late August for anyone 18 years or older.

The team earned its first trophy in May, taking second place at the Pacific Coast Invitational in Seattle (small team division). Three of the team’s members qualified for the highly-competitive Senior Circuit: Swimmers Jacklene Salwei, Mikal Reeves and Jeffrey Reeves, who also qualified for West Zone Championship in Tempe, Ariz. in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke.

The team started practicing shortly after the pool was remodeled, and now counts among its ranks several members of the North Kitsap High School boys’ and girls’ swim teams.

Practices are held five days a week, although swimmers aren’t obligated to attend every session.

Mark Van Huis, Norene Reeves and David Abbey serve as the squad’s coaches.

Van Huis said he was surprised by the rapid growth of the team, which is in a lull now before the season begins again in September.

“I’m surprised, but hopefully we’ll continue that,” said Van Huis.

The team would welcome between 75 or 100 members before it hit capacity, he added.

Coach Norene Reeves said the welcoming attitude of the swimmers is what has attracted more participants to the team.

“It’s almost every day we have kids coming to join us… It’s phenomenal,” Reeves said.

The coaches support team-building, whether it’s team camping trips or the swimmers’ tendency to sit together to cheer on their teammates.

Swimmers must be Level 4 or above to join. Most of the team is composed of swimmers from 11-14 years old.

“I think our team is magic,” Reeves said. “I’ve never seen a team get along like we do.”