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South St. Paul athlete Alida Ahern finds high school sports help calm her anxiety

By David La Vaque, The Minnesota Star Tribune, 10/09/24, 5:30PM CDT

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“Sports are kind of my outlet,” said Ahern, who not only participates but is having success with the Packers girls soccer, football, girls hockey and golf teams.

South St. Paul High School football kicker Alida Ahern at practice on Oct. 8. (Renée Jones Schneider) MN high school football scores, South St. Paul Packers football, South St. Paul Packers girls soccer

South St. Paul High School football kicker Alida Ahern at practice on Oct. 8. (Renée Jones Schneider)

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South St. Paul senior Alida Ahern is battling generalized anxiety, and would get into verbal confrontations with other kids. Being on social media and using her phone 24/7 just fueled her anxiety.

Ahern — through counseling, support from friends and family and her desire to play sports — has changed her mindset and is having success for the Packers girls soccer and football teams, and has been named a captain of the girls hockey team for the upcoming season. She is also a golfer for South St. Paul in the spring.

“Sports are kind of my outlet,” Ahern said. “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.”

For more on Ahern's journey from being consumed by anxiety to finding an outlet in sports, click here to read her story on startribune.com.

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