Morgans Message: break the stigma

East girls soccer team poses in their warmup Morgan Message shirts before their dedication game.

When the game ends and the lights turn off, the pressure on student athletes doesn’t just disappear. For years, the unspoken rule in sports has been to ‘tough it out.’ But, the Morgan’s Message club and chapter at Cherry Hill East is changing that stigma. Through open conversations, dedication games, and community support, Morgan’s Message helps re-establish what it means to be strong and supported both on and off the field.

Nationally, Morgan’s Message is a non-profit organization that helps athletes struggling with mental health. Various athletes in communities may be hurting – however, they are forced to hide their problems due to feeling ashamed or not having a strong support system. In recent years, East has started a chapter to support and spread the message of the national organization.

“I think in sports, it is looked down upon and weak to say that you don’t have confidence or you are getting in your head about something,” said East Morgan’s Message co-president Olivia Tabares (‘27).

This club focuses on breaking these stigmas around athletes and previously instilled stereotypes. Morgan’s Message believes that treating mental health is equally as important as treating some sort of physical injury, if not more important. If an athlete tears their ACL in a game, and is out for the rest of their sports season, Morgan’s Message focuses on being there for them mentally.

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“Mental health is very individual and no one ever experiences anything the exact same way,” said the club’s events manager, Emma Thiel (‘27).

Aly Plevinsky (‘27) – one of the co-presidents – and lacrosse and soccer athlete – said having practice all week and balancing school work can be immensely tiring. In addition to this, she feels that many athletes are pressured to do well both academically and athletically and don’t want to let coaches and teammates down.

“I really think it is important for all athletes to have a positive space to talk about their [challenges],” Plevinsky said.

The club uses various strategies to bring awareness to the mental health issues of athletes; specifically, they hold dedication games. Before the game, poster boards are held up by players with positive messages, such as, “mental health matters” or “you got this.” Teams also wear warm up shirts with the Morgan’s Message logo on them to share what the club is. Also, speeches are read by the club members in order to spread awareness.

“[The dedication games] are a good way to connect both the teams of east and members within the club,” Thiel said.

Through its dedication games, open conversations, and efforts to raise awareness, Morgan’s Message continues to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in sports.

“I really hope we can continue to promote positivity surrounding mental health and create an environment where athletes are supported and loved,” Plevinsky said.