On Thursday, February 13, Academy’s lacrosse team took on the Plant Panthers in a game that was much more about sports. It was a night to highlight Morgan’s Message, specifically on mental health for student-athletes. The game was honored for Morgan Rodgers, a former Duke lacrosse player whose life was tragically cut short after an ACL injury deteriorated her mental health. Morgan has now left behind a legacy of mental health awareness.
This game allowed our lacrosse team to honor Morgan’s message by wearing teal ribbons on their uniforms and warm-up shirts that are teal with the phrase Human>Athlete. This serves as a reminder that mental health must always come before athletic performance.
Anna Donaldson (‘27) includes, “My friend and I came together and created shirts with a butterfly on the back, the organization’s symbol, which symbolizes mental health. The girls on the team and the coaches were all super excited to be able to support this important cause.”
The girls wore the butterfly shirts with pride as they warmed up, every player knew that they were representing something much bigger than just a win. It was a reminder of how much support matters, not just in lacrosse but in every aspect of life. Mental health struggles can affect anyone, and athletes are no exception. The stress and pressure to perform often come at the expense of emotional well-being, but it is in the moments of support and community that real healing happens.
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“I am so glad our team does this to dedicate to Morgan Message and it helps spread awareness to athlete’s mental health,” said Lauren Martinez (’26).
Academy of the Holy Names prioritizes the mental well-being of its students by offering various resources and support systems. Through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities, students gain valuable tools to manage stress and build resilience. Additionally, Academy has dedicated guidance counselors who are always available to provide support, whether students need academic advice or help navigating personal challenges with family and friends.”
This game was not just a display of athletic skill, but a reflection of how vital it is to prioritize mental health for athletes. Morgan Rodgers’ story has sparked a movement that is changing how athletes view their mental health, teaching them that it’s okay to not be okay.
