South St. Paul’s Alida Ahern Thrives in Two Sports Despite Anxiety Challenges
In South St. Paul, senior Alida Ahern is making a name for herself as she balances two sports this fall: soccer and football. As a goalkeeper on the soccer team and a kicker for the Packers football team, Ahern approaches each game with confidence and determination. “Sports are kind of my outlet,” she explained. “Being able to go out after school with no pressure, you can just be a kid and be with your friends. You’re there to play your sport.”
This season has seen Ahern hit her first successful field goal in a game, a 26-yard kick against St. Croix Lutheran, followed by two more field goals during a match against North St. Paul. Tackling challenges head-on has been essential for Ahern. “I just had to go in there with no fear,” she said about joining the football team.
Ahern’s journey hasn’t been easy. Her father, Pat Ahern, described the anxiety they’ve faced as a family. Phone calls from school often brought concern. “I would just wait for the phone call,” he recalled. Pat and his ex-wife, Kim Baker, supported Alida after she transferred from Cretin-Derham Hall during her sophomore year due to anxiety issues. They made sure she received counseling and encouraged her to keep pursuing her passions, especially sports.
Despite her struggles, Ahern realized she needed to overcome her fears. She says, “I take it day by day,” reflecting on her mental challenges and the pressure she once felt surrounding both school and sports. High school hockey coach Dave Palmquist has also recognized a positive change in her mentality. “Her mindset has changed from worrying about what others think of her to being the best version of herself,” he noted. Due to her inspiring growth, she was named one of the senior captains this season.
Off the field, Ahern finds strength in her family and faith. She attends Crossroads Church with her teammates and recently marked her left wrist with a tattoo of a cross and a message saying, “Love Dad” in honor of her father. She almost broke her father’s record for longest field goal too—her attempt of 50 yards fell just short of his 48-yard mark.
With the support of those around her and a new outlook on life, Alida Ahern continues to embrace her love for sports while managing her anxiety. Her story serves as a reminder of strength and resilience in facing life’s obstacles.
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
