Content Warning: Suicide/self-harm

Morgan Rodgers was successful in many areas of life: she was a DI women's lacrosse player for Duke University, a talented student with what was described as “relentless drive,” and an artist whose attention to detail created awe-inspiring work.

But in January 2017, she suffered a career-ending injury that required her to undergo surgery and take part in rigorous knee rehabilitation work. Despite this challenge, she was determined to make it back out on the field and showed the people around her nothing but strength and positivity.

However, the negative change in her life as a result of her injury was huge, and even with her resilience, it was incredibly hard to cope with. As a result, Morgan battled with anxiety and depression and didn't share these struggles with family or friends. Tragically, she committed suicide in July 2019. 

But out of tragedy came hope: a year later Morgan's Message was born, an effort to honor Morgan and her “legacy of unconditional love” that the organization says remains still. The goal of Morgan's Message is to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues that college athletes face and to encourage both high school and college athletes to get help when they need it.

College athletes can face huge amounts of pressure –both in the classroom and in their sport. Even though it's common knowledge that student-athletes face major challenges athletically, some athletes still believe there is a stigma surrounding mental health issues in college athletes, and getting treatment. This is where Morgan's Message steps in. 

Various efforts have been made to help erase the stigma surrounding college athlete mental health, both at the local and national levels, and Morgan's Message has been extremely successful in this endeavor. Since its inception in July 2020, the organization has grown to include more than 275  college and high school campuses.

With more than 540 volunteer ambassadors, Morgan's Message Education initiative operates as a peer-to-peer program that's helping to advocate for more mental health awareness and resources for student-athletes.

Morgan's Message aspires to make mental health as prioritized as physical health in athletics so that future athletes choose to get help. Their message is clear: “Recovery is possible– Let's take a shot.”

To find out more about Morgan's Message, to find or create a program at your school, click here.

For other mental health articles and tips from 2aDays click here.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For non-urgent mental health questions, or for help finding mental health support go to Mental Health America.

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on April 11, 2022, by Peyton Wright