Morgan’s Message Makes Mental Moves

Mya DiSabatino, ‘26

Lead Sports Section Writer Cape Henlopen’s chapter of the nationally recognized non-profit, Morgan’s Message, is a club that focuses on normalizing conversation about student-athlete mental health.

The organization has shown high student presence from the school’s student-athletes for three years and counting. The club is made up of members, ambassadors, coaches, and advisors that work together to eliminate the stigma around mental health within the student-athlete.

Four years ago, Cape alumni and current collegiate lacrosse players Montana Jones and Lexi Nowakowski were recognized as ambassadors for Morgan’s Message national branch. “They both realized the mental toll sports can take on athletes at any age and wanted to find ways to raise awareness, so they brought the idea to me,” says Morgan’s Message advisor and Cape field hockey Head Coach Kate Austin. 

The club meets once a month during advisory as a “large” group where 150 of Cape’s student-athletes are led by ambassadors in conversations that encourage members to express their feelings, ask questions, and allow them to receive open-ended advice from other students who may be struggling with similar issues.

These discussions span from topics of mutual concern regarding burnout, injuries, balancing school and sports, playing time, and just about anything that could come up when trying to perform at a high level.

On top of these monthly “large” group meetings, ambassadors and advisors will meet biweekly to review ways to fundraise, spread awareness locally, attend impactful field trips, and improve the overall quality of large group meetings. “I love helping with Morgan’s Message and I believe that it’s such an important message,” notes Junior ambassador Amalia Frutchman. 

On Sunday May 4, Morgan’s Message hosted the One Mile Run/Walk. All of the money raised went towards Morgan’s Message, and all of the supplies donated was sent to Sean’s House.

Morgan’s Message members, ambassadors, and advisors were found volunteering at check in, yard games, and the race in order to help the event run smoothly. “The walk/run got the community together to acknowledge a topic so rarely discussed,” says Sophomore and Morgan’s Message ambassador Rylie Myers. “It brings to light that everyone has a village and there is help out there to seek.”

Morgan's Message's goal is to promote mental health awareness within student athletes.