Changing the culture is never easy. It never happens overnight. It often takes a year or two, some strong leadership—somebody willing to set the tone day in and day out and has the presence and moxie for others to follow.
Mahopac senior captain Aidan Paris-Devane has provided the Wolf Pac soccer program with that and more, leading state-ranked (No.20) Class AA Mahopac (7-1-1) to its finest start in recent memory. It’s been a while since Mahopac was considered a challenger, much less a serious contender for a Section 1 title, but the 2025 Wolf Pac are barking hard at a potential Final 4 appearance this fall.
Coach Chris Mulholland has been blessed with a handful of difference-making playmakers, but Paris-Devane is the most complete player – from a tangible and intangible standpoint – he’s coached.
“He has been really important in turning around the program and the culture behind it,” Mulholland said. “He has also been on the team long enough to have seen the struggles we faced in his first varsity season a few years ago, so he understands the work required to be successful at this level. He always brings a good work ethic and a great attitude, and is constantly pushing himself and others in training and leads by example. I think most importantly, he has done a great job at uniting the team and turning it into a family, and that's a reason why I think we have had such a great start to the season.”
Paris-Devane, a central midfielder, plays with a high motor. He’s a two-way hustler who maintains stamina from start to finish. Opposing coaches know No.10 needs to be accounted for.
“Aidan is the engine of that Mahopac team who roams that midfield with an old-school style of play,” said Lakeland coach Tim Hourahan. “He’s not afraid of his duels and wins most of his 50/50 battles and has a real sense for the game. He has a superior competitive edge to him and respect for the game and his opponents. His competitiveness, in that clean, old-school style, is admirable. He’s one of my favorite players and I root hard for him.”
What’s been the most challenging part of high school for you? Probably all the homework we get and not being tired.
What’s your favorite high school memory? Scoring the game winner last year against Briarcliff and celebrating in front of the student section.
What has made Mahopac a contender this season? I think we finally got a bunch of guys who have played club soccer their whole lives and are choosing to play for the school because of the friendships we have.
What are your long-term goals? I hope to have gotten a degree from college.
Has a teacher or administrator made an impact on you? I’d say our Coach Chris (Mulholland) who works in the school helps me a lot. Even though I didn’t choose to play high school freshman year, I knew him and he was a big factor in me playing. He helps me a lot even outside of soccer.
Would you rather be the funniest person in the room or the smartest person in the room? Funniest
What trait do you possess that might bring us closer together? Leadership
Name a chore that you hate. Dishes
What’s your favorite place to visit? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
College decision and major: Still looking (at colleges) and business
What are your hobbies outside of sports: Play video games, have a job, hangout with friends, workout and play Gaelic football.
Name slice of pizza in Mahopac, your favorite local restaurant and favorite birthday meal: Peppino’s, Chili’s, Chick-fil-A
What do you do on a day off? Sleep in, work out, hang out with friends, watch TV.
What are you an expert at? Soccer tactics
What are you not nearly an expert at? Siege
Favorite pre-game ritual: Drink pickle juice.
Favorite music/band: Drake
What’s your favorite sport to play? Favorite sport to watch? I really like playing soccer and Gaelic football, but I enjoy watching basketball.
Favorite professional athlete and pro team? Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool FC (English Premier League)
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