Ward Melville softball's Julianna Russ tosses three-hitter as team raises awareness for mental health

The bleachers at Ward Melville’s softball field were covered by a sea of bright blue shirts as dozens came out to support the softball team’s fourth charity game Saturday morning.

This year, the cause was mental health awareness in honor of Jordan Kenna, a softball player from Forest Hills who died by suicide in November.

As of early Saturday afternoon, the team had raised $5,437 for Morgan’s Message, an organization that works to provide resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Shortly after Kenna’s death, Ward Melville played in an offseason tournament against Kenna’s team.

“It was very upsetting being on that field and seeing those girls crying,” Ward Melville coach Joseph Burger said. “We wanted to take it and try to make something positive out of it.”

Before Saturday’s game, Rosalie Judd, a senior at Westhampton and one of Kenna’s former travel teammates, shared her experiences with Kenna and delivered encouragement to those struggling with mental health in a moving speech.

“Ward Melville has been really supportive of Jordan. It’s been really amazing . . . We had a tournament in the fall and they raised around $2,000 for her memorial and funeral,” Judd said. “You don’t know what someone is going through. Treat everyone with kindness.”

That message was written on the back of the shirts that all Ward Melville and Rocky Point players wore, while the front read, “You don’t have to struggle in silence.” Behind Ward Melville’s dugout stood a board with mental health statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“Seeing all those blue shirts out there and knowing everyone is supporting is great. Rocky Point wore the shirts, too. It’s awesome,” Burger said.

Julianna Russ struck out four and allowed three hits to lead the Patriots to a 15-0 non-league win over Rocky Point (2-14) in five innings. Sophie Reed and Haley Mauser each hit an inside-the-park home run for Ward Melville (5-7).

“It can be hard to be an athlete and balance that with school. I know a lot of athletes that struggle with mental health,” Russ said. “Everyone was on board with the idea for this game because we all know how important this issue is.”

Ward Melville has a program, run by Leah Jantzen, that provides social support and mental health strategies to student athletes throughout the year. Burger said that Jantzen recommended Morgan’s Message, as the organization works with Jantzen’s program.

“Any time an athlete steps on the field or a court, there’s a great deal of pressure on them to compete and to succeed,” Burger said. “We want to let them know that you’re not always going to be successful on the field, but that doesn’t take away from your abilities.”