Manhattan College’s chapter of Morgan’s Message recently had a memorable outing at Yankee Stadium to raise awareness about mental health. The Jaspers‘ women’s soccer team, along with other student-athletes, participated in the event to show their support for the cause. Morgan’s Message is a nonprofit organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues among student-athletes. The organization was founded in honor of Morgan Rodgers, a former Duke University lacrosse player who tragically took her own life at the age of 22 after struggling with mental health challenges.
Since its inception, Morgan’s Message has grown to over 1800 chapters worldwide, including one at Manhattan College. Nicolette Caneda, a senior on the women’s soccer team, is a campus ambassador for Morgan’s Message and has been actively involved in promoting mental health awareness on campus. She also serves as the President of Manhattan’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Chapter, advocating for student-athlete welfare and NCAA legislation.
Caneda emphasized the importance of having a chapter of Morgan’s Message at Manhattan College, stating that open conversations about mental health help reduce the stigma associated with it. She also started a mental health club on campus called Mental Health at MC to further support students in need. Caneda’s dedication to the cause was evident during the Morgan’s Message dedication game at Yankee Stadium, where she had a heartfelt encounter with Morgan’s mother, who recognized and appreciated her efforts.
The dedication game at Yankee Stadium provided an opportunity for team bonding and community building among the student-athletes. Freshman soccer players Lily Bandel and Faith Zollo expressed their gratitude for the support and resources provided by Morgan’s Message, highlighting the loving community that the organization has fostered on campus. The event also featured conversations about mental health with influential partners like the New York Yankees, showcasing the importance of raising awareness and support for mental health issues in the sports community.
Overall, the outing at Yankee Stadium was a meaningful experience for the student-athletes, reinforcing the message of unity and support in the face of mental health challenges. Through their involvement with Morgan’s Message, the Manhattan College community continues to advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization, creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. To learn more about Morgan’s Message and their mission, visit their website at https://www.morgansmessage.org/ and follow them on social media for updates and resources.