Morgan's Message®
Morgan's Message is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate the stigma around student-athlete mental health. Our mission is to amplify stories and resources to strengthen student-athlete mental health, build a community by and for athletes through peer-to-peer conversations, and provide a platform for advocacy. Their overall goal is to empower those who suffer in silence and support those who feel alone.
Morgan Rodgers
Morgan Rodgers was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and teammate. She was a division-one lacrosse player at Duke University. In 2017, Morgan suffered a dream-shattering leg injury that led her self-worth to plummet. While she presented herself as a happy and resilient face to her community, she constantly grappled with feeling that she was not living up to her expectations. Morgan chose to suffer in silence, keeping family and friends in the dark as she battled her mental health. As a result, Morgan died by suicide on July 11th, 2019 at the age of 22. Although her life was cut way too short, Morgan’s legacy of unconditional love remains. Her energy empowers those she has left behind to transform devastation into action.
My Ambassadorship
I have recently taken an interest in student-athlete mental health, so I applied to be a student-athlete ambassador at Watkinson. Being an ambassador means it is my job to spread Morgan's Message throughout my community. Student-athlete ambassadors host dedication games, fundraisers, and open conversations at their campuses. To introduce Morgan's Message on my campus, I made a short presentation in front of the whole school. I talked about my involvement as an ambassador and announced my new club. A few weeks later I set up an information table at my school's Fall Sports Day, which consisted of a tri-fold board and ribbons, stickers, and wristbands sent by Morgan's Message. My goal going forward is to continue to bring awareness to student-athlete mental health, organize fundraisers, and encourage people to continue this journey with me.