The national mental health organization Morgan’s Message was formed after Morgan Rodgers, a dedicated lacrosse player and “bright student with limitless curiosity,” died by suicide in July 2019.
Rodger’s parents, Dona and Kurt Rodgers, alongside her twin sister, Aberle Rodgers, and brother, Austin Rodgers, formed the organization after her death, advocating a clear message: “As an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare (and) the same should be true for mental healthcare.”
Auburn University, Arizona State, Stanford University, University of Kentucky and Ohio University are just five of the 1,757 high school and college campuses where Morgan’s Message is established. With 6,318 ambassadors nationwide, each organization is “taking a shot at mental health” by providing a comfortable space for athletes and students.
“We are a resource, and we are always here for everyone.” Annie Ryan, a sophomore studying psychology and human development and family sciences said. “You should know that you are never alone, and we are all in this together.”
Ryan, the president of OU’s chapter, said for student-athletes, juggling academics, sports and a social life can be an exhausting task, and it is important for them to have a supportive and comforting atmosphere to relax on campus.
Morgan’s Message was introduced to OU Fall Semester 2022 after Katelyn Whittle gathered a group of athletes and other Bobcats together to end the negative stigma around student-athlete mental health. Whittle has since graduated and Ryan was elected president in fall 2024.
Ryan is on the women’s field hockey team and said Morgan’s Message has changed her outlook on life and athletics.
“I can apply those tools and tasks that I learned from Morgan’s Message, from the wonderful people who are part of Morgan’s Message and from my exec team,” Ryan said. “If I am really nervous for a game or practice, I can just focus on some deep breathing exercises or some positive thoughts to calm my body.”
Working alongside Ryan is a strong team of executive members, some of whom are also student-athletes. Cici Keidel, a senior studying public health, plays on the softball team and joined the organization in 2022.
Morgan's Message helps student-athletes understand mental health. Logo designed by Nick Birnie.
Keidel started as the event coordinator and is the current social media chair, posting frequent event reminders and mental health tips on Instagram. From dedication games with various sports on campus to yoga classes, TED Talks and crafts, Keidel said she is busy but grateful to be making a positive impact.
“I love doing the dedication games because so many people do not know about Morgan’s Message …. and getting people to potentially join from those dedication games is really exciting and a good feeling to know that we are spreading the word,” Keidel said.
The club has hosted dedication games with the field hockey, baseball, softball, track and field, ice hockey and basketball teams. Games are free for Bobcats, except $5 for ice hockey. Additional attendees pay the regular ticketing fee, with prices ranging from $5 to $20 depending on the sport.
Meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. twice a month in The Convo and are open to not only student-athletes but all Bobcats looking for a stress-relieving activity. Ryan said some of the topics discussed included performance anxiety and stress prevention.
“It is a good way to get all the athletes together in one group and just relax and not talk about our sports,” Ryan said.
OU’s chapter continues to spread Morgan’s Message across campus, uplifting students and creating a safe space for athletes. For those interested in donating, Morgan’s Message Inc. on 5816 Wellington Rd in Gainesville, VA, accepts mailed checks or online payments through Venmo (@morgansmessage).
Isabella Muir, a sophomore studying biology, is the vice president of OU’s chapter and said she encourages students to support one another and take action.
“Mental health is obviously very common and the stigma should be taken off it,” Muir said. “It is honestly just a great message to spread.”
The previous report misspelled Cici Keidel’s name. Now, the article is updated to reflect the error.
