Morgan’s Message is an organization that seeks to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community around the world and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. Morgan’s Message has partnered with SCAHS and inspires athletes around the world to speak up when it comes to their mental health.
Morgan’s Message is inspired by a college athlete named Morgan who played women’s lacrosse at Duke University. In her sophomore year, Morgan suffered a knee injury that shattered her dreams of returning to the field. This led to a decline in her mental health, causing anxiety and depression.
Overall, Morgan’s story highlights the complexities of mental health struggles even in individuals who appear successful and happy on the outside, emphasizing the need for open conversations and support systems to prevent similar tragedies.
Morgan’s Message Ambassador and one of the leaders of the Morgan’s Message Club at State High Lily Sidwell discussed why she started Morgan’s Message.
“I just think it’s a wonderful cause. I think that it’s really important that we talk about student athletes’ mental health because it is a big issue, and I know that a lot of my teammates and I struggle with it […] and I want to be an outlet for people. And I want to be able to have someone that I can come talk to if they need to, […] and have it be a safe space for athletes,” Sidwell said. She added that the club is so much fun and has made her a better student-athlete as well as better at communicating with people.
Ella Tambroni, co-leader of the Morgan’s Message organization at State High, mentioned how the club has impacted her personally so far.
“Mental health is a very important thing. Throughout my family, like we’re a big sports family. So like, it [mental health] definitely is a struggle sometimes. And so advocating for mental health among all athletes is so important. It’s especially important to me,” Tambroni said, adding that this club made her reflect on her own mental health and how important it is to her.
“And I think it’s also important to just like, remember that, […] you are a human, not just an athlete, not just a student, […] and I think it’s important to tell everyone else that like they need to like, understand that. And I think that’s what’s important to me is like really advocating for other people, but also for myself,” Tambroni said. Tambroni is excited to do more things with the club moving forward and would encourage all athletes to join to advocate for others and their mental health.
Co-leader of State High’s Morgan’s Message club Mia Case talked about why it’s important to have a club at State High that focuses on mental health, especially for athletes.
“I think having an organization that, like, focuses on that, and, you know, kind of in remembrance of Morgan, who was a Duke women’s lacrosse player, […] I think that’s what makes it so special is because, like, I know all too well, like, what it’s like to go throughout life and not have those conversations and feel very confused as to […] what mental health even is. So I think just bringing that to State High is really important,” Case said. She is hopeful to see more athletes join and wants to create a safe environment for her teammates in lacrosse.
Morgan’s Message recently had their dedication game for lacrosse, and is hoping to have other sports participate next season. They are raising money for the club by selling bracelets and stickers and are planning a run open to State High and all of the community dedicated to Morgan and all student-athletes struggling with mental health.
Learn more about the official nation-wide Morgan’s Message organization here. Learn more about how to get involved at State High, visit Morgan’s Message x SCASD Instagram page here.
