Morgan’s Message is a nonprofit organization with the goal of eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health in student athletes. Morgan Rodgers was a Division I lacrosse player at Duke University and she suffered from a knee injury during the beginning of her sophomore season, which left her feeling alone and isolated as she was recovering. Morgan took her life on July 11, 2019, and her story is shared to change how mental health is viewed and to end the stigma.
In the Morgan’s Message education program, student athlete ambassadors lead chapters on high school and collegiate campuses to spread awareness about mental health in student athletes. A chapter just recently started at Norwood High School, run by English teacher and girls lacrosse coach Julia Bonnist.
“A freshman named Emily Morgan came to me because she really wanted to start this club,” says Bonnist. “She thought that I would be interested because of my background in sports and my position coaching the lacrosse team here.”
The club meets twice a month on Thursdays in Bonnist’s room after school in room 353, and new members can still join.
“We usually start with a brief check-in, and people can talk about anything that might be going on at that time,” says Bonnist. “Lately we’ve been doing some preparations for dedication games and just generally building the foundation for the club since we’re just starting out.”
Dedication games highlight student mental health awareness by wearing ribbons and wristbands to promote mental health. Dedication games at Norwood High School will start to take place as the club continues to develop.
Sophomore Emma Penza has seen Morgan’s Message tents at her lacrosse tournaments and was excited to hear that a chapter had started at Norwood.
“I really wanted to be a part of something bigger. I like getting to do it with my friends and learning more about who Morgan was and get more knowledge about mental health for athletes and students,” Penza says.
