33. Kat Zempolich - Founder, Morgan's Message

In this episode, Kat Zempolich joins me to discuss her recruiting and college lacrosse career at Duke University. Then we dig into Morgan’s Message®, the organization she helped start to honor and remember her teammate and friend Morgan Rodgers who tragically took her own life in 2019. Morgan’s Message® strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. In this compelling and moving podcast, Kat and I discuss Morgan’s story and the mission that the organization is carrying out today. Please visit https://www.morgansmessage.org/ to learn more about the ambassador program and how you can help.

Kat Zempolich shares her journey as a college athlete and the challenges she faced. coaches and the importance of supportive coaching for young women. . Lastly, she shares the story of her friend Morgan and the formation of Morgan's Message, a nonprofit focused on mental health in student athletes. Morgan's Message aims to de-stigmatize mental health in the student-athlete community by creating a community and providing resources. The organization has two main initiatives: creating a community for student athletes to support each other and the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program has grown to over 3500 ambassadors on around 1800 campuses, allowing for the expansion of the dialogue on mental health. The response on campuses has been positive, with student athletes organizing Morgan's Message themed games and using their platforms to raise awareness. The personal mission of Morgan's Message is to help someone else's Morgan and provide support and resources to those struggling with mental health.

Takeaways

The decision to pursue a college sport can be influenced by various factors, including personal interests, skill level, and future career opportunities.

Supportive coaching is crucial for the development and success of young athletes, particularly in creating a positive and empowering environment.

The college recruiting process can be complex and varies depending on the sport and individual circumstances.

Mental health is an important aspect of student athletes' well-being, and there is a need for increased support and resources in this area.

The loss of a friend to suicide can have a profound impact and inspire individuals to take action in raising awareness and providing support for mental health. Morgan's Message aims to de-stigmatize mental health in the student-athlete community.

The Ambassador Program has grown to over 3500 ambassadors on around 1800 campuses.

Student athletes have organized Morgan's Message themed games and used their platforms to raise awareness.

The personal mission of Morgan's Message is to help someone else's Morgan and provide support and resources to those struggling with mental health.

Chapters

18:37 Coaching Young Women and its Impact

23:26 College Recruiting Process

31:54 Experience Playing at Duke

35:03 Friendship with Morgan and Her Passing

44:04 Formation of Morgan's Message

45:27 Creating a Community for Student Athletes

48:24 The Ambassador Program

50:45 Expanding Chapters and Campus Response

52:32 Using Platforms to Raise Awareness

53:07 Personal Mission and Advice for Supporting Others