ROCHESTER, N.Y. — These days, workouts look different for Rosie Morse. She's focusing on balance and memory instead of strength training and conditioning. 

Morse is a junior at Nazareth University and a student-athlete. In her senior year of high school, she suffered a concussion while playing soccer. It's something that’s still affecting her today.  

Morse was cleared from her concussion and went back to playing. Soon after, she started to notice lingering symptoms like migraines, but admits she pushed through. 

“I wanted a good senior season, unfortunately, I ended up causing more issues," Morse said. "I think I downplayed it to myself."

That downplaying led to serious problems, eventually leading to Morse’s family pushing her to get checked out again. 

“I couldn’t really communicate well," Morse said. "[It's] not that I couldn't speak, but keeping up with conversations and being able to respond, I was so out of it. My personality started changing. I had a short fuse."

Athletic trainer Phil Steckley works with Morse, doing exercises to stimulate the brain and keep her concussion symptoms away. 

“When doing physical therapy for broken arm or shoulder, you want to do different levels and range of motion," said Steckley. "It's the same thing with the brain."

Morse is doing better but still has a long road back to returning to sports. She’s using her time now to educate other athletes about concussions and the long-term effects they can have. 

"Getting some perspective has been good," Morse said. "In the moment I understand thinking, 'I can't miss this game. This game is everything.' In reality, one game doesn’t mean too much."

It's a reminder that health is more important than any game.