MN high school football, MN high school girls soccer, MN high school girls hockey and MN high school girls golf

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.