Keeping you connected to the Community. Dedicated to sharing the stories of Duke student-athletes, present and past, GoDuke The Magazine is published for Duke Athletics by LEARFIELD with editorial offices at 3100 Tower Blvd., Suite 404, Durham, NC 27707. [CDATA[ When Zempolich learned the devastating news over text, she didnt believe it. I want to spread that passion and love for every aspect of sports thatMorganhad. Conversations regarding mental health in the athletic community have grown louder in recent years. I think the worst part for me was the reality check of life after sports because that was such a big part of my life, she said. The last year of Morgan Rodgers life has a lot of gaps in it for her family. WebConcluded her prep career with a total of 303 goals, 63 assists, 228 ground balls, 460 draw controls and 115 caused turnovers in 56 games Served as captain of the U15 national WebMorgan Morgan's Message Morgan Get to know Morgan Rodgers with this short video. What started as a podcast called The Mental Matchup in 2020 has grown into a movement. Winds light and variable. Morgan knew she wanted to play at the highest level the sport could offer while earning a world-class education. Then, things came crashing down literally in practice. Greater Long Beach We are heavy on female representatives, but do have a several male students representing lacrosse, football, track and field, baseball and basketball.. We elevate her story to provide a platform where others feel safe to share their own, be a catalyst for change within our mental healthcare systems and foster a community for which tomorrow always exists. She played in 10 games and finished with one assist. I heard about the organization through one of my co-ambassadors Abigail Beattie. In her fifth season with the program, Callahan is off to the best start of her career for the 11th-ranked Blue Devils. Music was a big part of her life and continues to make us smile thinking about her leading us to the dance floor. With a year under her belt, she had her eye on a larger role as a sophomore. You have permission to edit this article. Her energy empowers those she has left behind to transform devastation into action. Join us for this very special game tomorrow at Koskinen Stadium at 1 p.m. pic.twitter.com/uDYxN6hYCF, I have a lot of great outlets, Callahan said. The timing is right to talk about student athlete mental health, said Dona Rodgers. She went down and screamed. We hope that you enjoy our free content. We recommend switching to Chrome, Firefox, and/or Safari for not only IWLCARecruits, but for all websites. WebMorgan knew she wanted to play at the highest level the sport could offer while earning a world-class education. WebMorgan Rodgers (2015, lacrosse) has committed to Duke University. Be Proactive. While Callahan has put in incredible work on the field as well as in the weight room, it might be her efforts off the field in relation to mental health, both hers and others, that have allowed her to take her game and leadership abilities to a higher level. He was selected to the Star Team in each of his playing years and was team captain in 1979 and 1980, team MVP 1979 and 1980 and club president 1978 - 1979. A few miles southeast of Warrenton off Meetze Road is the Central Fauquier Sports Complex. I first metMorganwhen I played lacrosse for her at Highland School in the spring of 2018. WebTurnover by CONVERSE Kelsie Glass (caused by Morgan Rogers). Its a sign that Morgans Message has so much left to do despite all the organization has done. Her dream came true in the fall of 2014 when she accepted an offer to play for the Duke University Womens Lacrosse Team. WebMorgans Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in Former Duke teammate Anne Slusser did, too. And then right when you go into corporate America and youre just like every single other person and you dont have sports being such a big confidence driver for you.. Kyra Harney, a former teammate of Rodgers at Duke and the director of the nonprofits at-large education program, will speak at the game and offer information for anyone seeking mental health assistance. She was moving around and had this air about her, Zempolich said. A high school lacrosse standout, Rodgers was recruited to play at Duke University. It was May, and Rodgers birthday was coming up. "One of my favorite things to tell myself, if I'm not succeeding in the way I want to, I'll put my hands on my heart now to say, 'I love you and I'm listening,'" Cailin Bracken, a sophomore lacrosse player at Vanderbilt University, told "Good Morning America." Fitting that it came on after an @annascallahan4 goal! To learn more about Morgans Message, visit https://morgansmessage.org/. Shes someone that was always dancing or messing around and was kind of a forever young spirit. Greater Moriches No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Support Us She was granted medical leave by the university. More resources are available here. Thu May 19 2022 | Beth Ann Mayer | College When she arrived in Durham, Zempolich said she seemed bubbly but a little frustrated by her lack of playing time during fall ball and the spring of her freshman year. Her older sister, Taylor Harney, the head coach of the Bay Shore girls lacrosse team, knows having her players backs off the field is just as crucial as supporting them during gameplay. Zempolich went to therapy, sometimes multiple times per week, to work through her pain. She ultimately left the team. There are no statistics available for this player. But theres so much more to them as people too. Whether its the good or the bad you can always reach out to me, it doesnt have to be lacrosse related. Greater Huntington for 365 days. 5816 Wellington RoadGainesville, VA 20155, Morgans Message is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Ambassadors Spreading Awareness - Dedication Game Pictures, 2022 Inaugural Mo Madness Youth Lacrosse Tournament. Thats maturation. Thank you for reading! She was eager and well-equipped for a successful college experience. The Exeter and New Hampton girls lacrosse teams gather to honor Morgan Rodgers and raise awareness for Morgan's Message. Big Red boys basketball, JV teams collect wins in rivalry clash with Blue. Greater Oyster Bay Morgans Message is always looking for new ambassadors. The timing seemed as right as it ever would. When the Bay Shore girls varsity lacrosse team takes the field this Wednesday, they will honor the memory of a fellow athlete and spread mental health awareness. View pregame, in-game and post-game details from the San Clemente (CA) @ Beckman (Irvine, CA) non-conference lacrosse game on Mon, 2/27/2023. DURHAM, N.C. -- The Duke University campus is mourning the loss of a student. Click 'Get Started' to proceed. or anything. Whether its the good or the bad I want my girls when they move on to know this is a life thing, you play for me in high school, but now were connected for life, she said. Mental health crisis and depression live in the shadows, and we give them power when we dont talk about them, Zempolich said. She was that kind of a person.. I think I am his longest standing patient at Duke, Callahan said about how she and Zeplin have grown at Duke together. I wondered if shed ask what happened and what went wrong., We were sitting around, and we were like, Something needs to be done. I was so sad that Morgan passed. Her feelings of isolation from the team and stress caused by other relationship issues accelerated the return of anxiety and depression. I think (my work with Morgans Message) has allowed me to learn how to connect with a multitude of different people, whether that be in Morgans Message itself directly or in the outside community, Callahan said. Plant a tree She sustained a serious knee injury prior to her sophomore season at Duke and struggled with anxiety and depression as she fought to regain her physical health. The rewards shes experienced cant be put into words for Callahan, but she knows it has helped her become a better leader, a better player and a better overall person. We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. Top: Morgan Rodgers with her parents, Dona and Kurt Rodgers, courtesy of Morgans Message. Among athletes with known mental health conditions, only 10% seek care from a mental health professional, according to the ACSM. But when Rodgers got back to campus, she regressed again. I think being vulnerable and being open is also something that helps me play a little bit looser and play a little more free, said Callahan. Finally, as the one-year anniversary of Rodgers death crept up, she decided she wanted to visit the gravesite. When honed and strengthened with as much care and work as put toward the physical side of their sport, athletes can take their abilities to the next level. High school and college teams around the country have hosted games in honor of Morgans Message to raise awareness for mental health. Warrenton, Va. Kettle Run. Click here to download our iPhone app. Research suggests student-athletes are more likely to experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression than the general population. Its kind of a nightmare, Zempolich said. But Rodgers took her role on the scout team in stride as a rookie. It was almost an out-of-body experience where her body didnt know what was going on, and I dont think her mind could comprehend it.. Zempolich was out with a hip injury at the same time. She missed all of the 2017 season due to a career injury. Morganwas a force, and playing for her and Kristin Conques that season truly made me fall in love with lacrosse. At Duke, being in an environment where everyone is high-achieving, its going to be hard to say, Hey, Im struggling, Zempolich said. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. We put together a playlist of songs that reminded us of Morgan, or are Morgans favorite jams. In addition to undergoing surgery and rehabilitation, the young woman struggled with loss of control over her life and her self-worth plummeted. Since the nonprofit formed in 2020, participating colleges and high schools around 600 now across the nation have hosted dedication games to remember Rodgers, share her story with young athletes and combat negative stigmas surrounding mental health. She was very funny, she was an absolute goofball, Harney said of her friend. People, especially athletes, often overlook their mental health or tend to focus more on their physical health, said Bosshardt, who helped champion the cause and organize Exeters involvement. About two months after leaving campus, Rodgers died by suicide. The Pizzeria to expand with locations in Babylon, The story of DiCarlo Food Service, a family affair, A husband-and-wife team has just opened an Islip p, The State Room opens in former BrickHouse Brewery, Round 2 is LIVE Don't Threaten. Callahan reached out to Morgans parents and learned of the non-profit organization they were starting Morgans Message and out of that conversation the first campus ambassador program of Morgans Message was born. The 2018 election through then Republican candidate Mark Harris' eyes. We joke that Morgan was good at everything she did. The 11 points were three more than she had in 19 games as a junior and matched the total she had in the first six games of 2022. ", She added that she has been heartened by the response she's received to opening up about her own mental health battle, saying, "I'm so grateful people are listening. Winds light and variable. We want kids to normalize conversations surrounding mental health, she added. According to the ACSM, student-athletes face pressures from academics and competing, as well as other stressors like being away home home, traveling for games, feeling isolated from campus and other students due to their focus on sport and adapting to being in the public spotlight. In July 2020, Morgans Message was launched to honor the life of local student-athlete and youth coach Morgan Rodgers, who took her life in July 2019. In 2019, Morgan Rodgers, who played midfield for Duke Universitys girls lacrosse team, died by suicide. Callahan credits the support from Zeplin and the university, for allowing her to flourish on and off the field. Thank you for reading! If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. If I could do anything to help one person, it will be worth it. They are the Delaware State women, Howard University women, Hampton University men, and the mens and womens teams at the University of the District of Columbia. M 5'4" Fr. I have a lot of great people supporting me and Im very very fortunate to be at a place like Duke where mental health is a priority. She didnt want anyone to worry about her and she put a lot of pressure on herself to be perfect, her mother said. Keep it Clean. Rodgers was all about taking care of others. I think that all along Annas strengths are her incredible work ethic and her leadership, and I think both of those qualities have propelled her into a role as a fifth-year senior where she not only has great command on the field, but also off the field with her team.". ", I want other coaches to just say, 'Hey, how can I be here for you?,' because I never ever want a coach or a parent or teammate to see a situation like Katie Meyer [or] Morgan Rogers and say, 'I wish I had done more, she told "GMA. There are now 950 ambassadors. One turf field is named Morgan D. Rodgers Field, in honor a Fauquier hometown athlete who loved her community and her sport. She had to learn and pay her dues. Ultimately, they put her on the junior team to play. Exeter returns to the 'front lines' of climate change, Athletes for Racial Justice champion social change, Phillips Exeter Academy, 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833-2460, 2023. Morgan's story is tragic and painful, but sadly, Greater Port Jeff Morgan Rodgers, a 22-year-old former Duke student and womens lacrosse player, died on Thursday, July 11, 2019, the school announced on Friday. Zempolich feels every athletic department should have a sports psychologist, and student-athletes should have to meet with them at least once every two months more if a coach, psychologist or student-athlete flags any issues. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the United States, call 1-800-273-8255. If you are still having trouble, please be sure to email us at [emailprotected], 41 Schermerhorn Street #1062, Brooklyn, NY 11201, You are using an incompatible browser. If they need to call you at 3 a.m., youre there at 3 a.m.. You need you here, point-blank.. Low 48F. If you are struggling, it will get better, but its only going to get better if you identify something you might need to work on, she said. DURHAM, N.C. -- The Duke University campus is mourning the loss of a student. 5816 Wellington RoadGainesville, VA 20155, Morgans Message is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Ambassadors Spreading Awareness - Dedication Game Pictures, 2022 Inaugural Mo Madness Youth Lacrosse Tournament. Greater Babylon I think I lot of times we tie in our identity to just who we are as an athlete and the whole message is that youre more than just an athlete.. She had also experienced mental health issues and became a safe space for Rodgers to open up just a little. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. In July 2019, Morgan took her life and the family turned inward to heal. We were told she would be cleared to play in about a year and we all felt that that was a realistic goal, said her mother. A three-time conference player of the year at Kettle Run in Virginia, Rodgers was selected to the Under Armour All-America Underclass teams. Thats having a better understanding of and acceptance of you and your strengths and also an understanding you dont have to be someone youre not. Greater Patchogue // ]]>. -- Lily Von Herbulis, Kettle Run High School. This is who they are. Selfishly, I dont want anyone to feel how I felt when I was at my lowest of lows or how Morgan felt. Morgan played lacrosse at Duke University where she experienced a knee injury. Callahan was recognized for her work with Morgans Message, earning an ACC Top Six for Service Award last year. But Zempolich says she continued to struggle to care for herself. Rodgers Just prior to her sophomore season at Duke in 2017, Rodgers tore her ACL. It was a no-brainer in her mind to honor former Duke womens lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers who lost her life to suicide in July 2019. Digital and Print Subscription memberships available. Looking at the ambassador response in just a few months, we know we have tapped into something. Thats a big part of the leadership piece (she brings to our team).. I am aMorgans Message ambassador at Highland School, and I amMorgans cousin. She also thinks coaches and support staff need more training on mental health. Fast forward just over two years, Morgans Message has 2,290 ambassadors on 901 campuses across 42 states and in Canada and England according to the Morgans Message program website. Morgan was so proud. Her dream came true in the fall of 2014 when she accepted an She always knew about the best new tracks and was essentially the locker room DJ as a player on the womens lacrosse team at Duke University. As a result, Morgans self-worth plummeted. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Thats something I had to learn as a freshman, that its okay to lean on the other people around you and that youre never a burden. We want to make sure that you are on a more secure browser and that you have the best experience with IWLCARecruits as possible. Dona Rodgers became involved with the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County and took the youth mental health first-aid course, something shed like everyone to consider. Harney said shes seen many people in her network struggle with mental health not only during their time as athletes, but with what comes after. person will not be tolerated. If music was playing, she was dancing -- and bringing everyone to the dance floor with her. During her senior year, Morgan began to experience high levels of anxiety; however, she received tremendous support and professional help that proved beneficial at that time. How could I miss these signs? Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, With the concept in hand, Callahan took the next step of naming the organization. Recovery is possible-- lets take a shot. It is this depth of character that provided encouragement and inspiration to so many, but it was her contagious laugh and infectious energy that embody Morgans irreplaceability. Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. The 22-year-old was a psychology major from Warrenton, Virginia. It seemed like the perfect fit. Months later the pilot for a campus ambassador program of Morgans Message was born. Planted in Kirtland Habitat Restoration MI. As someone who's been playing competitive sports their whole life, I've most definitely had my struggles with mental health, both on and off the field. Though she could get her to talk a bit, Rodgers often shut down if another person was disappointing her. Changs spot at Smith Haven Mall, The Pizzeria to expand with locations in Babylon, Lindenhurst villages, The State Room turns former BrickHouse upstairs catering space into cocktail bar, The Instagram-friendly Stone Street Wood Fired Grill opens in Garden City, Inside look at The Farm Italy, Huntingtons new Italian restaurant, First meaningful snowfall of the winter , From truck to storefront. Morgan Rodgers, a 22-year-old former Duke student and womens lacrosse player, died on Thursday, July 11, 2019, the school announced on Friday. Bracken said that it is because of the support of her team and coaches that she was able to return to the field, writing, "I was able to navigate my way out of the darkness instead of letting it consume me. The goal of Morgans Message is to normalize the conversations surrounding mentalhealth so that student-athletes that might bestruggling will feelsafe to reach out and get some help. 2020-05-14 10:12 PDT (Spring 2020) by SCHS Boys Lacrosse Tritons forever! I think by bringing awareness and providing resources to our community, Exeter students can start having open conversations about mental health and not be scared to reach out if they need it.. Callahan, who scored high in each of the past three years, led the way for all Blue Devils this year. //