The whistle blows, the Panther Pack cheers, and the fight song commences, but there’s an unseen battle behind these moments of victory. The pressure to perform, to meet expectations, and for athletes to push limits extends far beyond the physical requirements of a sport. At Seattle Prep, student-athletes push themselves to their limits—whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or in their personal lives. When the game ends and the crowd fades, many athletes are left battling unseen struggles of their own.
For too long, the mental health struggles among athletes have been overlooked and hidden due to stigma. However, Seattle Prep has partnered with Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the silence around mental health in sports.
Morgan’s Message was founded by the parents of Morgan Rodgers, a talented lacrosse player at Duke University who tragically lost her life to suicide in 2019. Morgan struggled silently with her mental health due to the expectations of her sport and career-ending injuries that further deteriorated her mental stability. Her story has inspired sports teams at Prep to encourage athletes to prioritize their mental wellness just as much as their physical health.
“Morgan’s Message is clear: as an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare the same should be true for mental healthcare,” the organization states in an online post. “In order to close the gap, we must eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health together.”
Seattle Prep students have already shown their commitment to bringing Morgan’s Message to Prep. The crew team recently wore shirts labeled with the Morgan’s Message logo—a butterfly—at a regatta. Additionally, initiatives like Lofi Fridays have recently been established to provide a space for students to manage the pressure and stress of school and sports during their busy week.
A member of Seattle Prep’s crew team, Lily Ward ’27, found the message inspirational: “Wearing those shirts not only brought my team closer together, but reminded me of the importance of mental health, and that I’m more than my 2k time.”
Seattle Prep is creating an environment that promotes conversation around mental health to extend beyond the field and into our daily lives. As said by Morgan’s family, recovery is possible, and together we can ensure that tomorrow always exists. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted coach, teacher, or counselor. The people in the Seattle Prep community are here to help.
