Morgan’s Message Games & World Mental Health Day

“Being a part of a Morgan's Message game is powerful because it’s bigger than the scoreboard,” said Lago. “It's about breaking the silence and showing that athletes don't have to suffer silently, there will always be someone there for you. To me, it’s a reminder that vulnerability is a strength, and that speaking up ultimately saves lives. Being part of this movement means honoring Morgan's legacy by carrying the message forward and showing that mental health matters just as much as physical health.”

“It's a chance to live out the belief that our athletes are whole people,” added Kocher. “For me, it's saying ‘We see you. You matter’ and joining together with them in their challenges, letting them know they aren't alone. It also means using our sport not just for competition, but as a means to uplift and reinforce that the person always comes before the player.”

Roberts Wesleyan / TFHA

Drexel University field hockey hosted their Morgan’s Message game on Friday, September 12 at home in Philadelphia, Pa.

“We were lucky to have an amazing Morgan’s Message Ambassador for the past five years,” said Denise Zelenak, Drexel's head coach. “Their influence and commitment to sharing resources, while educating our athletes and coaches, has positively influenced our understanding and increased awareness throughout the department.”

“Focusing on mental health is just as important as training my body,” said redshirt freshman Morgan Herceg. “As athletes, we push ourselves physically every day, but our performance and overall well-being depend just as much on our mindset. Prioritizing mental health helps me stay grounded, confident, and resilient through the highs and lows of competition. It reminds me that taking care of my mind allows me to perform at my best, be a better teammate, and enjoy the sport I love.”

“Participating in a Morgan’s Message game means standing for something bigger than the scoreboard. It’s about honoring Morgan’s legacy by helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics. It’s a reminder that athletes are human first — we all have struggles, and that’s okay. Being part of this movement creates a sense of community and support that shows no one is ever truly alone.”

Herceg’s advice to other athletes? That prioritizing mental health shouldn’t be perceived as weakness, but as a chance for growth.

“My advice would be to treat your mind the same way you treat your body — with care, patience, and consistency. It’s okay to rest, to ask for help, and to admit when you’re struggling. Talk to someone you trust, lean on your teammates, and remember that strength doesn’t mean staying silent. Prioritizing mental health doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you more self-aware, balanced, and capable of growth both on and off the field.”

“To be able to support a cause that we can all relate to is so valuable to our personal growth,” added Zelenak. “This day reinforces our commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for all our athletes and staff.”

Carlynn Venetz, a sophomore at Belmont Abbey College, offered these words of advice.

“Give yourself grace and remember it’s okay not to be okay,” said Venetz. “It’s also okay to step back and take time for yourself when needed — whether it’s related to your sport or not. There are so many people who care about you and would rather sit down and talk with you than never see you again.”

“As an athlete, I feel our mental health is often overlooked,” she added. “People don’t realize how much it affects our performance, just like physical health does. In my opinion, mental health has an equal, if not greater, impact on athletic performance and can make or break someone’s playing career. I think that focusing on mental health means making sure that we are taking care of ourselves before attempting to perform for others, like our coaches and teammates.”

Belmont Abbey / TFHA

Converse University hosted a Morgan’s Message game on National Field Hockey Day, Sunday, September 14. Head coach Valerie Clarke shared about why they chose to hold this game, and what coaches can do to help their student-athletes.

“We make sure that the student athletes are seen as humans first, and players second,” said Clarke. “We have individual meetings where they can share their thoughts privately and for a chance for us coaches to learn more about them as people and not just on the field. Listen to truly listen, not to respond. It means the world (on both sides) when someone feels truly heard, and not that they are saying something and it isn't being received. Remember how much the student athletes do—for us, this is our full-time job—for them, it is just a piece of the puzzle.”