Allie Ahern: Family Framework
11/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
By Hanna Sprague, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Chills run up the arms of Allie Ahern as she hears her parents cheering from the stands. As her career as a field hockey player unfolded, this New York native assured her family is her backbone.
From the days of intramural field hockey to the days as a starting forward for Michigan State, the Ahern family has traveled near and far to see number 17 take the field at Ralph Young Stadium.
"It's kind of emotional to talk about," said Ahern. "It definitely gives me motivation to keep going."
Tom Ahern, father to Allie, played football at the University of Massachusetts while her mother, Joanne Ahern, played basketball at Canisius College. The well-rounded background surrounding Division I athletics allowed the Ahern parents to be understanding and reassuring toward Allie throughout her time as an athlete.
"Sometimes practice is hard and sometimes it's really fun," said Ahern. "They understand that because they've experienced it. Their advice is really good."
Ahern grew up admiring her older sister's accomplishments in the game. Three years older than Allie, Leslie Ahern steered the path for her younger sister to follow.
"She filled me in on the not so bright side of things, but also the really fun and rewarding side of things," said Ahern. "Seeing her go through it and be successful made me want to do it."
When the opportunity arose, Ahern joined an intramural field hockey team and found early success on the field.
With an increased dedication to the game in high school, she continued to triump, being named First Team All-State her sophomore and junior seasons, New York State Champion as a freshman and senior, and was selected to the Second Team Field Hockey All-American team her junior year.
"My high school coaches really pushed me," said Ahern. "They saw that I had a talent, even in other sports, and they pushed for me. I really respect them for that."
Despite offers from top east coast schools, Ahern was drawn to the Midwest.
"I wanted to be a part of a school that I could enjoy while I was there and then, after college, be proud of where I went to school," said Ahern. "Michigan State definitely provides that for everyone."
At that time, Michigan State field hockey was ranked in the Top 10 nationally, and Ahern was determined to contribute.
"I've always been confident in my ability," said Ahern. "On the field, I never give up. I always try my hardest."
Coming onto campus, Ahern knew that she'd need to fill the holes that her parents secured during her years as an athlete.
"Being on a team with 20 or more girls - it's great," said Ahern. "It's all different types of personalities. You have to learn to work with everyone because you are a team."
In her debut season as a Spartan, Ahern competed in 19 games, tallying four goals and one assist for a total of nine points. In that year, her efforts against Ohio State resulted in being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
As her success as a forward continued onward, she realized what she loves most about Michigan State.
"Definitely the sport atmosphere," said Ahern. "Even if you're not on the team, you are still involved and still contribute to the win and the atmosphere. I just love it."
Her most memorable moment as a Spartan took place in her junior season at the Big Ten Tournament.
"I'd never made it to the NCAA Tournament and I'd never been a Big Ten Champ," said Ahern. "But I knew we could do it."
Heading into the tournament, the Spartans knew they had three games to win in order to take home the trophy.
"We focused on one game at a time."
The Spartans defeated the Hoosiers in the first round, advancing them to the semifinals where they beat Buckeyes in an overtime dual on Ohio State's home turf. Matching up against Iowa in the finals, the Spartans trailed 2-0 at the half, but rallied together and remained positive, leading to a Big Ten Championship.
"Being a Big Ten Champ and having all of your friends and family coming out of the woodwork to cheer for you - I can't even describe the feeling," said Ahern. "What we'd been working for finally paid off."
Ahern's success continued into her senior season where she appeared in 19 games and recorded eight goals and four assists, combining for 20 points.
Her career stats display the impact she has had on the game, yet she assures they hold little importance while looking back on her career.
"I want to be happy with what I do," said Ahern. "And I think I've found that playing field hockey here."
Adapting to the Midwest way of life, Ahern has fallen in love with Chicago and hopes to move there upon graduation from Michigan State.
"I would have never said that if I didn't come to MSU," said Ahern. "I've taken a couple trips there and my older sister lives there now. It's such a great city."
Despite the distance, Ahern keeps family in the forefront of her mind.
"I just really appreciate what they've done for me," said Ahern. "I've learned so much and I've become a different and better person from the experience."
