Senior Alida Ahern Balances Two Sports While Navigating Mental Health Challenges

South St. Paul – Senior Alida Ahern has taken on an impressive challenge this fall by participating in two sports: soccer and football. With a calm demeanor, Ahern shines as both a soccer goalie and the kicker for the South St. Paul Packers football team. As she describes, “Sports are kind of my outlet,” allowing her to unwind and enjoy time with friends after school.

This season has been particularly noteworthy for Ahern, who recently made her first successful field goal in a game, scoring from 26 yards during a match against St. Croix Lutheran. She followed that up with two more field goals in a thrilling game against North St. Paul. Ahern shared her fearless approach to joining the football team, stating, “I just had to go in there with no fear.”

Ahern’s family has been her pillar of support as she navigates challenges with generalized anxiety. Her father, Pat Ahern, recalls the anxiety of receiving phone calls from school administrators about his daughter. He emphasized how important it was for Alida to stay involved in sports to keep her spirits up. “She wanted to graduate, and she didn’t want her sports taken from her,” he explained.

Although Ahern transfers from Cretin-Derham Hall during her sophomore year, she has shown remarkable resilience and growth. Her soccer, football, hockey, and golf participation highlight her dedication while also embracing her mental health journey. Ahern recently informed her teammates about the importance of community and faith, partaking in activities at Crossroads Church in Woodbury.

In her own words, “I used to get super nervous before games, now it’s just a game. Same with school.” Her mindset has transformed as she embraces challenges rather than avoiding them. Coach Dave Palmquist has noted this positive shift, seeing her grow into a more confident athlete.

Ahern wears wrist tattoos that symbolize her journey, including a cross and a heartfelt tribute to her dad, reminding her of the love and support surrounding her. While she nearly broke her dad’s record for the longest field goal with a 50-yard attempt falling just a yard short, she remains motivated to push herself further.

As the season progresses, Ahern remains committed to her sports and personal growth, living by the belief that “Everything happens for a reason.” This strong mentality reflects not just in her performance on the field but in her ongoing journey towards mental well-being in her school life.