Morgan’s Message: Taking a Shot at Mental Health is an organization that strives to provide student-athletes with resources and to empower those who suffer or feel alone.

Piedmont University’s chapter has become a popular community throughout campus. The goal is to eliminate the bad reputation around student-athlete mental health while bringing people together and helping fellow students who may suffer in silence.

The butterfly logo of Morgan’s Message includes Morgan’s favorite color, teal, with a semi-colon in the middle of the butterfly wings. This semi-colon symbolizes hope and solidarity against mental health challenges.

“As an athlete, mental health affects my performance heavily. If my mental health is poor, my mindset regarding fitness becomes weaker,” said freshman and soccer player Noah Lacroix, who found out about Morgan’s Message through researching clubs at Piedmont University.

“As an ambassador, I intend to share knowledge and support to all individuals Morgan’s Message may reach and bring the importance of mental health to their attention,” said Lacroix, aspiring to grow the chapter while bringing attention to mental health to student-athletes at the university.

Lacroix believes Morgan’s Message is a great way to receive peer-to-peer advice and normalize having difficult conversations. He strives to ensure that every student makes mental health a priority.

Freshman lacrosse player Lily Rhue is another member of Morgan’s Message. While not having an official role, she enjoys keeping up the positive work.

“I lost someone to suicide and wanted to try to help others before it could be too late,” stated Rhue.

Rhue attempts to spread the word about Morgan’s Message and to normalize mental health struggles. Her personal experience fostered an understanding of mental health and its importance.

As a student-athlete, Rhue works hard to support her teammates by listening to and understanding their issues, even during hard times.

To become an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, applicants must apply through Morgan’s Message’s official website and complete the required training.

Sophomore Logan Hoenig, a goalie for the men’s lacrosse team, says that as a goalie, he cannot win games alone; he can only save them. While he can not score, Hoenig’s impact on the team is important in his position.

“As a goalie in lacrosse, keeping my mental health in check is the first step,” Hoenig explains.

As an advocate for mental health, Hoenig raises awareness of the silent struggles and explains that he has to be okay with mistakes and refocus for the team’s benefit. If Hoenig’s mental state is not locked into the moment, he could revisit mistakes and risk negative outcomes.

Morgan’s Message is constantly growing on campus and is free to join. One step towards neutralizing mental health stigmas may save a life.

If you are interested in joining Morgan’s Message chapter, follow Piedmont’s Morgan’s Message Instagram page for local events and updates. If you need crisis support, please call or text 988.