Student-Athlete Ambassadors Speaking Out

Ambassadors on why they joined…

  • “I came across (Morgan’s Message®) a few months ago at the peak of recovery when I was struggling with the same issues that Morgan was. Her story helped me see that I wasn’t alone and the importance of mental health. I have struggled with mental health on and off the field, injured or not, but I want to help other athletes know that there is another side to injury.”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • “As someone who struggles with a mental illness being able to bring attention to the issues and help normalize talking about it is a huge goal of mine. I have been an athlete for multiple sports, a lacrosse official and coach. My goal is not just to bring awareness to my lacrosse team, but to my entire school and community."

    Morgan’s Message® High School Ambassador

  • “Butterflies have always been important symbols and signs to myself and my family, so seeing that strengthened my desire to become an Ambassador. As a future collegiate lacrosse player, I would never want myself or my teammates to feel that their struggles have to be silenced by the stigma surrounding mental health.  My goal in becoming a Morgan’s Message™ Ambassador is to help make the conversation about mental health more normalized. I hope that in bringing this program to my school community, we can come together to discuss, advocate, and learn about a topic that so needs to be talked about.”

    Morgan’s Message® High School Ambassador

  • “Mental health is so important, but not talked about nearly enough given its statistical prevalence. There is such a stigma around mental health, especially in athletics, and I want to change that. Unfortunately, mental illness doesn’t discriminate and is so often hidden behind a smile. Being vocal about your mental health struggles isn’t easy, but I want every person struggling to know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel as well as people who love you and want to help you.”

    Morgan’s Message® High School Ambassador

  • “I am a Division 1 field hockey player … who suffers from anxiety and depression … in my sophomore year I experienced a career-ending injury. After my surgery, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was suicidal and I went on medication. Reading Morgan's story, made me aware to how much her story relates to mine, but has a very different ending … I am so determined to put all my focus in leaving my legacy as a mental health advocate for my teammates, and other athletes at (my) university. I would love to be a part of Morgan's Message™ because normalizing speaking about mental health will change the world for generations to come!”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • “Morgan's Message™ had come to my attention when my (collegiate) lacrosse coach mentioned it to our team. After my mom passed, I felt as if it was my mission to help other people and give back to others. This is the perfect opportunity to do so … I want athletes and everyone to understand that it is okay to not be okay sometimes, and that they are not alone and that people are there to help. My goal is to help others, and I would love to do that being a part of Morgan's Message™."

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • “… I was motivated to be the first Division 1 field hockey player out of my high school … and maintain our expected 4.0 GPA. I put so much stress and pressure on myself to be perfect, having several panic attacks a month … But I did it … when I got to my freshmen year, I realized the pressure I was putting on myself was abnormal. I would be honored to be associated with this great initiative and bring Morgan’s Message™ to (my campus). I know people are struggling and just need someone to come forward and say I know what you are going through, I am here, and I will help you make the next steps to a better you, no matter how scary it may be.”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • “… I have struggled with mental illness and knowing what it feels like, and having stigma around it makes it so much harder to talk about. Playing field hockey helps a lot with having an outlet to relieve stress but also adds stress and anxiety to my life. I think some people believe that playing a sport constantly means that someone has a healthy lifestyle and since they’re constantly doing school or their sport then they cannot be mentally ill, which simply isn’t true. I’d like to raise awareness for mental health, especially in athletes.”

    Morgan’s Message® High School Ambassador

  • “I feel like throughout my time in athletics I have met many people who have struggled or have struggled myself with mental health, but was always too afraid to ask for help because of being perceived as mentally weak or unable to take on the challenges faced on the lacrosse field. One thing I’ve personally struggled with was coming out to myself and my teammates because I was so worried of what other people would think but, I was lucky enough to be supported by great teammates and friends, who made it much easier.  I would like to be a part of this positive trend of increased openness in athletics and think this is a great way to do so.”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • “I myself went through one of the toughest years of my life (recently). I was playing lacrosse at another school and had to take a medical leave due to my depression and anxiety. I went to a … hospital for 8 days. I learned within those 8 days that life is worth living. I have my bad days, but I just know there is so much to live for. What I want to do in life is show others what people showed me. I was shown how to battle the good, the bad, the ugly. I want others who struggle with mental health to not be afraid to speak out and ask for help. I want my teammates to always know that they are not alone and that suicide should never be the answer. At one point I thought it was and I was too nervous to speak out….”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • "After hearing Morgan’s story, I found that I could similarly connect, especially with recent (suicides) on my campus. I strongly believe that change is needed (on my college campus) regarding mental health, and I hope to initiate that change by being a Morgan’s Message™ Ambassador. Being an Ambassador would help to provide resources and skills needed to reach students across (campus) and my local community as well as raise awareness about mental health.”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador

  • “As someone who has struggled with mental health, I wish I knew I wasn’t alone, and with (Morgan’s Message™) I can let others know that they are not alone. I want to spread more awareness to the college and community. From being an (Ambassador), I would like to see a change in how people approach what they are facing and how others can help. I want to spread that it is okay to ask for help from others and no one should have to deal with their mental health alone.”

    Morgan’s Message® Collegiate Ambassador