At Lewis & Clark, student-athletes are no strangers to the demands of rigorous academics, intense training schedules and competitive athletics. But beyond the physical and mental demands of sports, there is a quieter, often overlooked challenge many athletes face: mental health. This is where Morgan’s Message, a national mental health initiative, steps in — and at LC, it is making a meaningful difference.
Morgan’s Message was founded in honor of Morgan Rodgers, a former Division I lacrosse player at Duke University, who tragically died by suicide in 2019 after struggling with her mental health following a sports injury. Despite her successes on and off the field, Rodger’s internal struggles went largely unnoticed — highlighting the critical need for better mental health awareness and resources for student-athletes. In her memory, Morgan’s Message seeks to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics, create a safe space for those who struggle and empower athletes to speak up and support one another.
On LC’s campus, this mission has found a powerful home. The college’s chapter of Morgan’s Message was launched by passionate student athletes from the swim and women’s lacrosse teams — two programs deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. These athletes recognize the unique mental pressures student athletes face and want to create a safe space for conversations, education and support.
The LC chapter of Morgan’s Message operates on three foundational goals: education, advocacy and community. Through events like information sessions on how to get involved with mental health advocacy and meets such as the swim team’s dedication event on Oct. 4, Morgan’s Message is making a meaningful impact on campus. The chapter encourages open discussions about mental health while educating athletes on how to recognize signs of struggle in themselves and their teammates.
For many student-athletes, mental health challenges are compounded by the social pressure to push through. Avoiding showing weakness or prioritizing performance over wellbeing can make it difficult to ask for help. Morgan’s Message aims to change that narrative. At LC, the swim and women’s lacrosse teams are leading by example — normalizing the conversation around mental health and encouraging others to reach out when they are struggling.
The chapter’s leadership is composed of dedicated ambassadors — student athletes trained to promote mental health awareness within their teams and the larger initiative to facilitate discussions and serve as peer resources for teammates who may need support.
As a member of the Northwest Conference and the NCAA’s Division III, LC places strong emphasis on the holistic development of its student-athletes. Morgan’s Message compliments that mission by ensuring that mental wellbeing is prioritized alongside physical and academic success. Division III athletics celebrate balance, and Morgan’s Message is a crucial reminder that health includes mental health.
This initiative also reflects LC’s broader values of inclusion, integrity and student empowerment. By championing Morgan’s Message, the college reaffirms its commitment to providing student-athletes with the resources they need to thrive both in and out of competition.
As the LC chapter of Morgan’s Message continues to grow, its leaders hope to expand their outreach to include more sports teams and collaborate with campus wellness resources. Their goal is clear: to ensure that no athlete suffers in silence, and that every student knows it is okay to not be okay. Morgan’s Message is more than an initiative — it is a movement. And at LC, it is creating a culture where mental health matters as much as athletic performance and where every voice and every story is heard. For more information on how to get involved, visit on @lcpios.mm on Instagram.
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