In this episode, Bella Griffin shares her journey of resilience and self-discovery. From San Diego to the sand courts of Tulane, Bella’s athletic career has been shaped by both her passion for beach volleyball and her perseverance through back-to-back ACL tears.

She opens up about:

• Overcoming Challenges: Facing two ACL tears during high school and navigating surgeries, redshirting freshman year of college and physical therapy.

• Mental Health Struggles: The impact of injuries on her mental health and the transformative moment of asking for help.

• Athlete Identity: Rediscovering herself outside of sports and finding new joys in life.

• Gratitude: The invaluable support from her family, coaches, teammates, and PT team.

Bella’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of seeking support, and the beauty of finding balance beyond the game.

Find out more about Morgan’s Message here!
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Join us for an incredible conversation with Dr. Haley Perlus, an accomplished Sport and Performance Psychology Practitioner, as she shares her expertise on mastering the mental game. Drawing from her competitive Alpine ski racing background and a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, Dr. Perlus brings practical insights for anyone willing to listen.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Athlete Identity and Transition: Strategies for redefining self-worth and thriving beyond sports.

• Handling Performance Pressure: Tangible techniques to harness pressure and build resilience.

• Normalizing Emotions in High Performance: How to embrace emotions as tools for growth.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Haley Perlus’s book: Personal Podium: How to Use Your Mind to Maximize Your Potential in Sport and Life (buy it here!)

• Learn more about Dr. Perlus: LinkedIn / Youtube

Learn more about Morgan’s Message here
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This week, we're excited to have Lindsey Ronbeck back on the podcast! We’re talking all about friendships – from the teammate relationships to navigating life post-college without that shared common goal.

Ever wonder how to find like-minded friends after college? Or which friendships to lean into versus lean out of? We’re diving into all that, plus tips for staying mentally strong in a social media-driven world.

Lindsey and Kat discuss:

• Teammate Connections: How relationships with teammates evolve when sharing the bond of college sports.

• Post-Grad Friendships: Navigating friendships once you're no longer working toward a shared athletic goal.

• Evaluating Friendships: Knowing which friendships bring you joy and deciding who to lean into versus who to lean out of.

• Social Media's Impact: Discussing how social media can shape your mental health and self-worth in relation to friendships.

• Making New Friends Post-College: Tips on building meaningful connections with like-minded people after school.

In this episode, Kat sits down with Abby Bosco, a former lacrosse player at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland. Known for her powerful presence on defense, Abby was named the Athletes Unlimited 2023 Defender of the Year. Her accolades also include being a two-time IWLCA First Team All-Region pick, a Big Ten Defender of the Year, and a nominee for the Tewaaraton Award.

Key Topics:

1.Inspiration and Legacy: Abby hopes to inspire young girls in the lacrosse community to follow their dreams and find joy in what they do.

2. Personal Growth Through Lacrosse: Abby reflects on how the sport has shaped her life by connecting her with incredible people and leading her to remarkable places. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing what brings genuine happiness, ignoring outside pressures, and focusing on one’s internal joy.

3. Navigating Recruitment and Mental Health: Abby opens up about her journey through the recruitment process, her experience with the transfer portal, and her transition from Penn to Maryland. She also discusses the value of sports psychologists in her development as an athlete and a person, highlighting the significance of mental health support both on and off the field.

You can connect with Abby here!
You can follow Morgan’s Message here
You can find out more about Morgan’s Message here

In this episode, Kat sits down with Capri Richardson, the founder of First Contact Athletic Counseling, PLLC, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate based in Austin, TX. Capri brings a unique perspective to mental health in sports, combining her experience as a former Division I athlete and professional volleyball player with her expertise in counseling. Capri shares her journey through athletics, from growing up in a military family and being recruited to the University of Montana, where she became the first African-American player on their Women’s Volleyball Team, to playing professionally in Europe.

Capri’s passion for mental health advocacy emerged through her athletic journey and experiences abroad. Now in private practice, she focuses on providing athletes, coaches, and their families with support that nurtures their inner selves and fosters holistic well-being. Capri discusses the systemic challenges in sports, especially for female and minority athletes, and how she empowers her clients to develop coping skills, process trauma, and prioritize mental health.

Episode Highlights:

• The influence of her military family background and frequent moves on her athletic journey

• Transitioning from athlete to mental health advocate and counselor

• Her unique approach in private practice to support athletes, coaches, and families

• Advice for athletes joining new teams and for teammates welcoming others

• The importance of addressing mental health needs within the athletic community

Get in touch with Capri here
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Learn more about Morgan’s Message here

In this episode, Kat sits down with Camryn Whipple, a recent graduate of Slippery Rock University and former lacrosse player, to explore her athletic journey and her growing awareness of mental health. Camryn shares her early experiences in sports, from her first love of soccer to her spontaneous decision to try lacrosse in elementary school, and why she ultimately chose to pursue lacrosse in high school, leaving soccer and basketball behind. She opens up about the impact of COVID-19 on her senior year of high school and freshman year of college, and how the pandemic influenced her mental health. We also dive into her collegiate team’s open culture around mental health and how she’s now focusing on new passions as she transitions away from competitive athletics.

In this episode, Kat sits down with Lindsey to dive into her journey of transitioning from a collegiate lacrosse coaching career to stepping into a new role in marketing and communications at Morgan's Message. Lindsey shares the challenges and insights she gained during this shift and reflects on how much can change in just a few years. We also talk about her time coaching, the headspace she’s been in and the courage it took to navigate this new phase of her career. Plus, Lindsey opens up about joining the Morgan's Message team and how this opportunity has shaped her journey beyond lacrosse.

In the episode we discuss:

• Lindsey's career transition and life transitions in general

• The mental and emotional challenges during a major life shift

• How Lindsey found the courage to step away from coaching

• Her experiences with Morgan’s Message and how it has impacted her life

You can connect with Lindsey here!
You can find out more about Morgan’s Message here
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In this episode, Kat sits down with Erica Buckley, an former collegiate lacrosse player who shares her personal story of overcoming major setbacks on and off the field. Erica opens up about her battle with injuries, mental health challenges and how her journey has shaped her resilience. From facing multiple ACL injuries to dealing with the isolation that comes with watching her teammates achieve their goals, Erica gives us a raw and honest look into her struggles and wins. The conversation explores how she navigated her recovery process, found healthy coping mechanisms and maintained her connection with her team during difficult times.

In the episode we discuss:

• High School Injuries and Mental Blocks

• The College Transition

• Coping with Being Sidelined and Injuries

• The Role of Team in Recovery

You can find Erica on IG here!

Learn more about Morgan’s Message here

Follow Morgan’s Message on Instagram here

In this week's episode, Kat chats with Michelle Deutsch, a former collegiate ice hockey player turned semi-pro powerlifter, who opens up about her incredible journey of resilience and healing. We discuss her experience with body dysmorphia and depression to surviving sexual assault, Michelle's story is one of strength and determination. She shares how a strong support system helped her through difficult times and how her experiences shaped her path toward pursuing a career in criminal prosecution, with a focus on advocating for survivors.

In the episode we discuss:

- How she navigated the trauma of sexual assault

- The challenges and triumphs of playing ice hockey at the collegiate level

- Michelle's personal battle with mental health and how she manages it

- The crucial role her support system played in her journey

- Her current goals, including law school and advocacy work for survivors of abuse and individuals with disabilities.

You can read more about Michelle's experience here
You can connect with Morgan's Message here
You can follow Morgan's Message on Instagram here

CW: body dysmorphia, sexual assault, depression

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of identity with transformational coach, Cate Wilkes. Cate shares her personal journey of success, stress, and self-discovery, unpacking the pivotal moments that led her to redefine her identity beyond her professional achievements. Cate emphasizes that our value is not in what we accomplish but in the essence of who we are. She discusses the importance of holistic mental wellness, explaining that our mental, emotional, and spiritual health are all interconnected. Cate's story of stepping off the corporate hamster wheel and into a more fulfilling life serves as a powerful reminder that we all have intrinsic worth, no matter where we are on our journey.

In this episode, I'm excited to sit down with Kyra Schwartzman, current Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach at Colby College. We chat about her unique journey from playing at Wheaton College to coaching at Colby College, her impactful role as Director of the Girls High School Program at 3D Lacrosse, and even her time working in health care before returning to the sport she's passionate about.

In this episode, Anthony Faraino shares a powerful journey of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for student-athletes. With a background in collegiate lacrosse and a career in finance, Anthony felt a strong pull toward supporting the mental well-being of athletes, leading to the founding of Mindflow, a mental health platform with a mission aligned with Morgan's Message.

In the episode we discuss:

• Breaking the Stigma: Anthony emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health, particularly for male student-athletes who often face added pressure to appear emotionally "strong."

• Therapeutic Services: A candid discussion about the value of therapeutic services, and how athletes can benefit from seeking help without feeling shame or embarrassment.

• Growing Up in Birmingham: Anthony shares memories of growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, and his love for sports, from basketball to lacrosse, which ultimately led to a collegiate career at the University of Richmond.

• Mindflow's Mission: Learn about the mission of Mindflow—a platform designed to support athletes’ mental health and foster a community where they can thrive both on and off the field.

In today’s episode, Kat chats with Nadine Crocker, an award-winning Director, Writer, Actress, and Producer, known for her impactful storytelling. Born in Nashville and raised in Fresno, Nadine moved to Los Angeles at 16 to pursue her passion for creating art that changes lives. 

We discuss her deeply personal film, Continue, which is based on her own survival of a suicide attempt and will be released in theaters on September 6th, 2024, for World Suicide Prevention Month. The film has garnered multiple awards, including "Best Director" at various festivals, and is the cornerstone of her nonprofit, "Continue On," focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

Nadine opens up about her struggles with mental health, which began at a young age and culminated in a suicide attempt at 23, followed by years of self-harm before finding a path to healing. This experience became the foundation of Continue, where she relives her story through acting, directing, and producing—a profoundly emotional process, especially when faced with industry feedback that mental health is a topic "no one wants to talk about." During the episode, Nadine discusses her mental health journey, how she’s used her struggles to move forward with gratitude, the lack of understanding around mental health during her upbringing, how the film has changed her life, her discovery of a passion for directing, and the challenges she faced in creating this movie. Ultimately, she hopes to help push the mental health movement forward. This episode is an incredibly raw discussion on mental health and is a must-listen.

Content Warning: Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Self Harm, Substance Abuse, Abuse, Disordered Eating

Welcome to the final episode of our miniseries on mental health support systems! In this special episode, Ashton Miller joins TMM. Ashton and Schuyler met as freshmen on the Duke Soccer Team, and have been best friends since. Ashton now influences soccer culture as a photographer, creative director, and co-founder of The Footy Temple. She studied psychology and grew up in a family of professional athletes who shaped her understanding of mental health and toughness from a young age. We explore how Ashton adapts her support based on Scuyler’s different mental health chapters and the importance of recognizing that not everyone can be the main support for others. This conversation offers valuable insights for supporting the people closest to you. We hope you enjoy our last episode of the miniseries!

This miniseries episode highlights how siblings can support each other’s mental health. Imani, Nia, and Trinity Dorsey all join Schuyler on the podcast to talk about how they show up for each other (@imdorsey @niamdorsey @trinmdorsey). The Dorsey sisters all are incredible soccer players and humans. In this episode, they share lots of valuable insights into how their parents founded their support system, how soccer intersects with their mental health, and the ways they aim to keep sport and sibling connection largely separate. At the same time, their mutual connection and respect through soccer is undeniable, and it’s clear how they inspire each other through action to prioritize their mental health. I (Schuyler) had so much fun feeling like a 4th Dorsey sister during this recording. I hope how they support each other inspires you to support a loved one in your life in a similar or different way that works for you!

In this episode, TJ Pura, a former captain of the Duke Men’s Tennis Team, joins our TMM Second Hand Stories miniseries. After a stint as a pro player, TJ found his passion in coaching, mentoring ATP player Tommy Paul and returning to Duke as the first assistant coach. Now living in Durham, NC with his fiancée, 2x Olympian Maddy Price, TJ discusses how he supports her journey as a professional track athlete and their mental habits. He shares how losing his father at a young age shaped his connection with Maddy and his growth from toughness to embracing vulnerability in his relationships. We also explore the importance of communication and self-care. TJ is a fantastic partner, coach, and teammate, and we're grateful to call him a friend of Morgan's Message!

In today’s episode, Schuyler speaks with Traci Pizzano, mother of three, including Dario Pizzano from Episode 85. Traci, a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) warrior, inspired Dario to create Mission Stadiums for MS, a nonprofit supporting MS research and families affected by the condition.

Throughout the episode, Schuyler and Traci discuss key moments in Dario’s mental health journey and how Traci supported him through similar struggles, including panic attacks. Dario’s mental health challenges following retirement from professional baseball helped him understand other peoples’ mental health states better, which increased communication about mental health within his family, who are some of his most important supporters. We also explore the difficulties parents face when a child's identity is tied to sports, and Traci reflects on how she had not expected the challenges Dario faced after retirement. This is a great episode for all parents who want to support their kids’ mental health, but there are gems here for everyone!

Sarah Kovan, MD, is a psychiatry resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, specializing in the treatment of individuals with complex behavioral health needs within publicly supported healthcare systems. She has been honored with the U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award and studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Additionally, Sarah was a collegiate athlete at Michigan State University, where she co-captained the Women's Soccer Team. During the episode, we cover lots of topics central to supporting others’ mental health from Sarah’s professional perspective, including the value of asking people what they need, how to approach someone who is resistant to care, and build community within sport. This episode is the foundation for the rest of the other episodes in the miniseries, thanks to Sarah’s expertise.

#139 - This week, Kat sits down with Rohan Piple on The Mental Matchup. Rohan grew up in Maryland and played varsity basketball at Southern Vermont College. He then went on to become a Behavioral Health Specialist with a Master's in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University. During the episode, he discusses the performance wellness company, AŠVA, he created and why he decided to focus on this aspect of an athlete’s overall health. Rohan has so much knowledge and we are excited to share it with all of you!

This week, Vanessa Kara joins Kat on the podcast. Vanessa is from Burlington, New Jersey and went on to play college soccer at Drexel University then the University of Florida as a grad transfer. After college, she competed professionally in Finland and walks us through creating a career in the NWSL. She also touches on achieving her dream of playing for the Dominican Republic women's national soccer team! During her time as a student-athlete, Vanessa experienced 3 ACL tears and opens up about her recovery process and how she was able to bounce back after each injury. Vanessa recently retired from soccer and opens up about embracing working as an engineer. She also talks about specific mental health practices that helped get her through these difficult times and we can’t wait for you to hear Vanessa’s story!