Morgan’s Message: A Game-Changer for Mental Health in Athletics
Morgan’s Message, a powerful non-profit organization founded in memory of Duke University lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers, is transforming the way mental health is approached within the athletic community. Morgan’s tragic passing in 2019, following a challenging period involving injury and emotional strain, inspired her family and friends to break the silence surrounding athletes’ mental health. Through Morgan’s Message, they aim to “Take a Shot at Mental Health” by raising awareness and creating supportive spaces for athletes across the country.
Morgan’s Message operates through a network of ambassadors and chapters nationwide, empowering athletes to speak up about mental health struggles and foster understanding on their campuses. Kyera Combs, a 2026 Georgia Southern commit and one of these ambassadors, passionately brings Morgan’s Message to her school. With a history of involvement in athlete-focused mental health initiatives, Combs felt a personal connection to the mission of Morgan’s Message and took the steps to establish a chapter in her own school after learning about the organization online.
“When I found Morgan’s Message, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” says Combs. “As an athlete, mental health is a topic close to my heart, and I felt that this organization could help me create real change within my community.”
Combs’s own school had previously tried to create a club focused on mental health for athletes, but without structured resources, it struggled to sustain itself. Morgan’s Message, however, offers ambassadors like Combs a framework for success, including educational tools and presentations that make starting and maintaining a chapter achievable.
A Shift in Perspective on Mental Health for Athletes
One of the core messages Combs and her chapter focus on is addressing the stigma surrounding mental health within athletics.
“Mental health is often invisible,” explains Combs. “If someone walks into practice with an injury, it’s obvious they may not be able to perform their best. But if someone’s struggling mentally—maybe they’re dealing with anxiety, stress from a tough week, or other challenges—it’s not as visible. Without talking about it, nobody might know they’re not at 100%.”
Morgan’s Message encourages athletes to view mental health challenges with the same importance as physical injuries, emphasizing that struggles do not equate to weakness or a lack of dedication. By opening discussions on topics like mental fatigue, performance anxiety, and the pressures of balancing sports with other life responsibilities, Morgan’s Message helps normalize these conversations.
“There’s still so much stigma around mental health, especially in sports, where speaking up can sometimes be seen as being ‘soft,’” Combs shares. “We’re working to break down those barriers and make it easier for athletes to feel comfortable sharing what they’re going through.”
Creating a Community of Support and Understanding
In just two months, Combs has grown her Morgan’s Message chapter to include over 50 members, building a strong community where athletes feel supported and understood. The chapter regularly holds open discussions, encouraging athletes to share their experiences and learn from each other’s perspectives. The power of community is central to Morgan’s Message, creating safe spaces where athletes can connect and find support.
Combs’s chapter has also collaborated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to reach a broader audience and share insights into athletes’ mental health.
“Getting to speak at the FCA meeting was an amazing opportunity,” Combs reflects. “We’re helping people see that they’re not alone in their struggles, and it’s inspiring how many athletes have already felt comfortable speaking up about what they’ve experienced.”
With the resources provided by Morgan’s Message, including structured presentations and supportive educational content, Combs’s chapter is well-equipped to make a meaningful difference. Each meeting contributes to a culture shift within the school’s athletic community, helping athletes feel more comfortable addressing mental health topics and finding common ground in their shared experiences.
An Ongoing Commitment to Morgan’s Legacy
For Combs, Morgan’s Message is more than just a club—it’s a vital mission that she dedicates her time to off the field.
“Morgan’s Message has allowed us to create something that matters deeply,” she says. “I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the support that athletes are finding in one another.”
Morgan’s Message, born from the tragedy of Morgan Rodgers’ passing, has become a beacon of hope for athletes facing mental health challenges. The organization’s growth reflects the increasing recognition of mental health as an essential component of athletic life, and ambassadors like Combs are leading the charge to ensure that every athlete feels seen, heard, and supported. By advocating for mental health awareness and fostering open discussions, Morgan’s Message is changing the culture within sports and ensuring that athletes know they are never alone in their journey.
Through ambassadors, chapters, and the unwavering dedication of the athletic community, Morgan’s Message continues to honor Morgan Rodgers’ legacy by empowering athletes to take a shot at mental health.
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