Morgan’s Message is a community that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding student athletes’ mental health, and urges athletes to prioritize their mental well being as much as their physical health. The community began shortly after Morgan Rodgers, a division one lacrosse player for Duke University, lost her battle with mental health and passed away by suicide in 2019. The group has spread awareness for athletes’ mental health, and remembered Morgan all around the country. Ambassador programs include youth and club organizations as well as student-athlete ambassadors. 

The club can be found among many high school and college campuses around the country, all driven by the same goal to prioritize emotional well being. The club sponsor at Winter Springs High School is Coach Lucas, the school’s girls lacrosse coach and P.E teacher. The goal for the club at WSHS is to create a safe space for student athletes at Winter Springs to communicate how they’re feeling and get the help they need and deserve, while also supporting others to do the same. Junior lacrosse player and club treasurer Phoebe Criswell says she is excited to be a part of the club because “as an athlete myself it is important to me that everyone becomes more aware of the battles people may be fighting even if they dont show it.” 

Around the campus, Morgan’s Message plans to advocate the importance of student-athletes’ mental health and the stigmas surrounding the challenging tasks they face. Sporting events around the campus will host remembrance games for the club where athletes wear a teal shirt in pre game warm up, and have activities for fans to take part in as remembrance for Morgan. This is a beneficial club to be a part of because club members will gain a community of other student-athletes to support them through the pressures of performing, and it is a good way to get educated on the importance of prioritizing mental health as a young adult.