The Longwood junior varsity girls' soccer team dedicated a game last week to Morgan's Message, an organization committed to raising awareness about the mental health crisis and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
The team beat Patchogue-Medford 2-0 to continue their streak of no losses in league play.
Morgan's message is inspired by Morgan Rodgers, who was a beloved daughter, sister, friend and teammate.
Morgan played Division I Women’s Lacrosse for Duke University. During her senior year, Morgan began to experience high levels of anxiety; and had a devastating knee injury. She spent the next 12 months determined to return to the field, undergoing surgery and dedicating herself to an intensive rehabilitation program.
As a result, Morgan died by suicide July 11, 2019 at the age of 22.
Although her life was cut way too short, Morgan’s legacy of unconditional love remains. Her energy empowers those she has left behind to transform devastation into action.
Morgan's message is now in place to elevate her story and provide a platform where others feel safe to share their own, be a catalyst for change within our mental healthcare systems and foster a community for which tomorrow always exists. Morgan’s Message is clear: as an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare -- the same should be true for mental healthcare. In order to close the gap, we must eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health together.