Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit dedicated to destigmatizing mental health struggles among student-athletes, now operates on 1,856 campuses across six countries with 6,053 active ambassadors. Founded in memory of Duke University lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers, who died by suicide in 2019, the organization utilizes a peer-to-peer model to encourage vulnerable conversations and provide mental health resources to collegiate and high school athletes.
How does the peer-to-peer model function on campus?
The program relies on student-athletes leading chapters to create a judgment-free environment for their peers. According to Clare Kehoe Zychowski, co-founder and director of the organization’s educational program, the model succeeds because it prioritizes student voices over administrative mandates. At the University of Connecticut, student ambassadors Tori Tomalia and Maia Dechiario coordinate meetings and events, providing a space where athletes can discuss pressures without the fear of impacting their standing on a team. By utilizing materials developed by a medical advisory board, these ambassadors help bridge the gap between struggling athletes and professional support, though they are trained to recognize the limits of their own non-clinical roles.
Why are student-athletes at higher risk for mental health concerns?
Public scrutiny and the intense pressure to perform often create a unique psychological burden for collegiate athletes. Hollie Chessman, director and principal program officer at the American Council on Education, notes that the fear of failure—whether through a missed shot or a fall during a routine—can lead athletes to suffer in silence. Unlike the general student population, athletes often face the added weight of commercialization and the high stakes of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) demands. This pressure, combined with a cultural expectation of physical toughness, often prevents athletes from seeking help until a crisis occurs, as was the case for Rodgers, who kept her depression hidden from coaches and family.
What is the future of mental health advocacy in sports?
The success of the grassroots model suggests a shift toward student-led wellness initiatives rather than purely top-down policy changes. While athletic departments have limited time and budget, the growth of Morgan’s Message demonstrates that student-driven movements can demand institutional attention. Looking ahead, the focus remains on training ambassadors to identify when a peer needs professional intervention. Emily Perrin, director of the Medical Advisory Board at Morgan’s Message, emphasizes that the goal is not to replace therapists, but to foster an environment where elite athletes feel safe enough to acknowledge their humanity beyond their performance on the field.
The organization began as a podcast and blog series called “The Mental Matchup.” This platform was designed by Rodgers’ childhood friends and teammates to ensure that no student-athlete would feel they had to endure their struggles alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Morgan’s Message ambassadors trained therapists? No. According to the organization, ambassadors are students who provide peer support. They are trained to recognize their limits and refer peers to professional medical resources when necessary.
- How does the organization ensure the quality of its resources? All educational materials, including presentations on sleep and eating disorders, are vetted by the Morgan’s Message Medical Advisory Board, which consists of diverse medical professionals.
- Can any student-athlete join? Yes, the organization encourages student-athletes to apply to become ambassadors. All leadership positions are volunteer-based to ensure that the mission remains rooted in genuine student passion.
Are you involved in athletics and interested in starting a conversation about mental health on your campus? Explore the official Morgan’s Message website to learn how to apply for an ambassador role or to find resources for your own team. Join the movement to end the stigma today.
