Ridgewood Girls Lacrosse 'Takes A Shot' At Mental Health

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood girls lacrosse players are taking a shot at mental health.

During last Thursday's game, Ridgewood High School wore matching blue ribbons and trademark butterfly T-shirts for warmups, showing support for Morgan's Message, clearly stated as the following:

"As an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare — the same should be true for mental healthcare."

The Maroons dedicated their home game against Immaculate Heart Academy, of Washington Township, to raise funds for the nonprofit Morgan's Message, which strives to end the mental health stigma in athletics.

Organized by the Maroons and Ridgewood High School's Morgan's Message ambassadors Ashley Auerbach and Caroline Williams, the game began with a dedication, moment of silence and reading of a short background about Morgan Rodgers, an elite women's lacrosse player who died by suicide at 22.

Rodgers' story, according to the nonprofit's website, is that she suffered a "dream-shattering" knee injury just before her sophomore season at Duke University, and that her feeling that she was not living up to expectations intensified her anxiety and depression.

She died tragically on July 11, 2019, the website said.

In a social media post, the Maroons said the aim of last week's game against the Gloucester County team was to "normalize dialogue on mental health and empower those who suffer in silence, as well as support students in need."

Morgan's Message Ridgewood chapter also set up a booth to learn more about the cause, and an opportunity to pledge support. Chapter ambassador and lacrosse player Auerbach also started a GoFundMe through which she and the lacrosse team hope to raise at least $1,000.

"The Ridgewood Chapter will continue sharing (Morgan's Message), providing speakers and hosting events in the coming months," Auerbach said on the fundraising page.