Lebanon Valley College student-athletes promote mental health through numerous activities, including their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and StepUp program. 

This season, the women's lacrosse team is going one step further. Gabby Boyer '23 and Emily Beard '24, with the support of head coach Rachel Perla, created the Morgan's Message club. 

A national nonprofit organization, Morgan's Message is spreading across college campuses. The program works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health that often exists in the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They also aim to expand the dialogue regarding mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.

"Coach Perla introduced me to Morgan's Message, knowing that I am open about my mental health and willing to help others," said Boyer. "I have always been an advocate for mental health and being open about it, especially with athletes. When I heard about Morgan's Message, it immediately caught my attention and was something I wanted to share."

Beard added, "Mental health is important because it keeps you grounded and at peace. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices."

The club is open to all students on campus, and meetings consist of discussions of mental health and activities to learn more about each other.

"Mental health is just as—if not more than—important as physical health, which I believe a lot of people do not understand. Mental health issues are also not always visible, so someone who may not seem like they are struggling can be," said Boyer.

The women's lacrosse team is dedicating Saturday's game against Albright to the life and legacy of Morgan Rodgers, a former Duke University lacrosse student-athlete who died tragically in July 2019 after battling mental health struggles. 

Please visit www.morgansmessage.org to learn more about Morgan's life and legacy, and how you can help those with mental health struggles. LVC students interested in joining Morgan's Message can contact Perla (perla@lvc.edu), Boyer (gnb002@lvc.edu), or Beard (enb003@lvc.edu).