WHITESTONE, N.Y., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, POWERADE announced today a new partnership with Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit dedicated to normalizing conversations about mental health within the student-athlete community. Together, POWERADE and Morgan’s Message are working to break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and ensure that athletes feel seen, supported, and empowered both on and off the field.
This partnership reflects POWERADE’s commitment to holistic athlete wellness—going beyond physical strength to champion mental resilience. By partnering with POWERADE, Morgan’s Message will be able to expand its reach through educational initiatives, peer-led advocacy, and resources designed to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized as an essential component of athletic success.
To support the collaboration, POWERADE will award four standout student-athletes and Morgan’s Message Ambassadors with $5,000 scholarships each to support their college tuition. These recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership in mental health advocacy, using their platforms to foster open conversations and empower fellow student-athletes.
In addition to scholarship support, the partnership will bring Morgan’s Message to student-athletes through activations at select collegiate games, reinforcing the importance of mental wellness in sports. Through four Dedication Games, POWERADE and Morgan’s Message will help amplify conversations around student-athlete mental health, ensuring that athletes, families, coaches and communities are engaged in meaningful discussions that encourage change.
“Athletes push their limits every day, but true strength includes both physical endurance and mental resilience,” said Leah Macko, Vice President of Brand for Powerade. “At Powerade, we believe that prioritizing mental health is just as crucial as training on the field. Through this partnership with Morgan’s Message, we hope to equip young athletes with the resources and support networks they need to thrive—not just in competition, but in every aspect of their lives.”
Morgan’s Message was founded in memory of Morgan Rodgers, a passionate and talented lacrosse player whose story has become the driving force behind a movement to educate, empower, and advocate for student-athletes facing mental health challenges.
“We are incredibly grateful to partner with POWERADE to amplify our message and expand our impact,” said Kat Zempolich, Morgan’s Message Co-Founder. “Athletes give so much to their sport, and it’s crucial that they feel just as supported in their mental health as they do in their physical training. This collaboration allows us to continue providing a platform for honest conversations, community-driven support, and meaningful change in the way mental wellness is addressed in athletics.”
POWERADE and Morgan’s Message will roll out activations starting the next school year, including local events aimed at fostering connection and awareness. This partnership marks a powerful step toward ensuring that mental health is not just talked about—but truly prioritized—in the student-athlete experience.
To learn more, check out @Powerade_US and Morgan’s Message on social:
MORGAN’S MESSAGE: INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN
ABOUT BODYARMOR SPORTS NUTRITION
A leader in the world of sports and active hydration with game-changing innovation, BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition (BASN) is on a quest to become #1 in Sports Hydration. Bringing together two iconic brands, BODYARMOR and POWERADE (respectively #2 and #3 in the sports drink category), BASN exudes an entrepreneurial culture backed by the resources and insights of one of the world’s most recognizable companies, The Coca-Cola Company, which fully acquired BODYARMOR in 2021.
BODYARMOR has been disrupting the world of sports and active hydration since 2011, offering a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes and antioxidants to provide consumers with a better-for-you hydration option. Nearly 15 years since BODYARMOR redefined the sports drink category, the brand is relaunching in 2025 with a refreshed visual identity, including a new wordmark, bold packaging and first-ever brand icon. BODYARMOR Sports Drink is made with coconut water, and no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or dyes. It’s low in sodium and a good source of potassium. The portfolio includes BODYARMOR LYTE, a low-calorie, zero added sugar sports drink; BODYARMOR ZERO SUGAR, a premium sports drink with zero sugar and carbs, no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes; BODYARMOR Flash I.V., the brand’s first-ever rapid rehydration beverage; BODYARMOR Flash I.V. Hydration Boosters, single-serve powder sticks for on-the-go rehydration; and BODYARMOR SportWater, a premium alkaline water with pH 9+.
POWERADE was created in 1988 to ensure hardworking athletes have the hydration they need to keep putting in the work to raise their game. The brand re-launched in 2023 with a new visual identity, brand purpose and breakthrough formula that includes 50% more electrolytes.
ABOUT MORGAN’S MESSAGE
Morgan’s Message® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within high school and collegiate student-athlete communities and aims to equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. By amplifying personal stories through its podcast and blog, The Mental Matchup, and offering resources that expand the dialogue around mental well-being, Morgan’s Message works to normalize difficult conversations, empower those who suffer in silence, and support individuals who feel alone in their struggles. The Morgan’s Message Education Program (MMEP) is the organization’s premier initiative, comprising one of the largest and most effective peer-to-peer mental health advocacy networks worldwide. It supports nearly 7,000 volunteer student-athlete Ambassadors across 1,900+ campuses in 48 U.S. states and six countries.
For more information, visit morgansmessage.org and follow Morgan’s Message on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
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SOURCE POWERADE
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