This fall, Cornell College junior softball student-athlete Brianna Risley launched a campus chapter of Morgan's Message, a national organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health in the athletic community. We caught up with Brianna to learn more about her passion for advocacy and the impact she hopes to make.

Q: What inspired you to start a chapter of Morgan's Message at Cornell College?

A: As an athlete who has struggled with my mental health, I know firsthand how it feels to be lost in my emotions, yet too scared to speak up. When I became an ambassador for Morgan's Message, I saw the impact other ambassadors had on their college campuses. At that moment, there was no doubt in my mind that I would build a chapter at Cornell. Bringing such an important organization that spreads the message of ending the stigma of mental health surrounding athletes to campus was so important to me. 

Q: How do you think mental health challenges uniquely affect student-athletes, and how does Morgan's Message help address those issues?

A: Mental health challenges are something we all face at some point in our lives, yet student-athletes face these challenges more than most people know. Being a student-athlete comes with increasing demands that impact student-athletes' day-to-day lives and their overall mental health. Though student-athletes are usually the last to speak up because they think they can't. Morgan's Message directly addresses ending the stigma of mental health surrounding athletes, showing them that it's okay not to be okay. 

Q: What kind of events or initiatives has the Cornell chapter organized so far, and what impact have you seen on campus?

A: Our chapter here at Cornell meets at least once a block to discuss important topics related to mental health. At these meetings, we also do one activity that helps foster a supportive environment and creates bonds between students. So far, we have had two dedication games! We held one for women's volleyball and women's soccer. Dedication games are sporting events dedicated to raising awareness about mental health in honor of Morgan's Message and Morgan Rodgers. The impact on campus is truly incredible. We have seen so many students and staff being involved and influencing other sports to host a game as well. We have also started to see some of the community learn about our message. We are so excited for the future and appreciate all that everyone has done for us so far. 

Q: How can other students or alumni get involved with Morgan's Message at Cornell?

A: We want anyone and everyone to follow our chapter! Students can come to blockly meetings, come to all events, and give suggestions for new topics, activities, or events that they have for us! As for alumni, we encourage those who are close or live in town to come to any events that we host! We would also encourage them to follow us on Instagram @morgansmessagecornell. We are looking to add a Facebook page and possibly a newsletter in the future! Lastly, we would love any donations as they will only help us grow and continue to spread the overall message of athlete mental health. Donations allow us to continue to host dedication games and other events. They also allow us to gather supplies we need for our monthly meeting activities. If alumni would like to learn more about supporting our chapter, please contact us at morgansmessage@cornellcollege.edu.  We appreciate every single person who wants to be involved and are so excited to keep spreading this message. 

Q: What are your hopes for the future of Morgan's Message at Cornell College and beyond?

A: My hopes for the future of Mogan's Message at Cornell and beyond are simply to spread the message as far and wide as possible. The more we spread this message and prioritize mental health in athletics, the more others will. I truly believe we are in a time of change in athletics where mental health is becoming the priority it always should've been. I am excited to continue to grow our community on campus and make a difference in so many lives.