Students champion mental health awareness through Morgan’s Message 

During the first week of February, Washingtonville High School joined schools across the country  in recognizing Athlete Mental Health Week, spotlighting the importance of mental wellness among student-athletes.

Outside the high school gymnasium, members of the school’s Morgan’s Message chapter could be found spreading awareness, sharing resources and encouraging conversations around mental health in sports. 

The group hosted outreach efforts at several sporting events throughout the week, sharing Morgan’s Message during halftime at basketball games and between wrestling matches. Halftime programming featured interactive activities like a free throwing contest following Stepper performances. The community also paused for a moment of silence in honor of Morgan Rodgers, whose legacy continues to inspire the national movement.

Morgan’s Message is an educational organization with chapters at high schools and universities across the country, focused on eliminating the stigma surrounding student-athletes mental health. The Washingtonville chapter works to equalize the treatment of mental and physical health in athletics, normalize conversations in safe spaces and encourage peer-to-peer support among athletes. 

“Playing a sport is really hard on your body and your mind,” said senior Sophia Zupancic, a member of the lacrosse team. “Prioritizing your mental health just as equally as you prioritize your physical health as an athlete is really important. Building community and being part of a club that supports [mental health] has been a really big part of being a successful and healthy athlete.”

For coaches, that message resonates just as strongly.

“As a coach, taking care of the players physically and mentally is a big aspect of the sport,” said Erin Mahar, girls lacrosse coach. “We take pride in supporting one another – on the field, in the classroom and as teammates. That culture of care really connects to what Morgan’s Message is all about.”

Through education, outreach and visible support at sporting events, Washingtonville’s Morgan’s Message chapter continues to empower student-athletes, reminding them that they never have to struggle in silence and that mental health is just as important as the game itself.