Kylan Darnell steps back from Bama Rush to protect mental health
University of Alabama senior and Zeta Tau Alpha member Kylan Darnell announced she is taking a short break from recruitment and from posting about the sorority rush craze sweeping college campuses. The reigning Miss Ohio Teen USA has spent the last three years giving followers an inside look at sorority life as part of the popular Bama Rush phenomenon, but she says this year will be different.
In a TikTok video, Darnell explained that she has spent much of her college life online and acknowledged there have been both positive and negative aspects to that visibility. She said she is not dressed up for recruitment at the moment because she needs a mental health day for the next three days. She added that she is stepping back to prioritize her well-being.
Raised in Ohio, Darnell arrived at the University of Alabama with little understanding of rush. A sorority coach has described the recruitment process as emotionally intense, even resembling “psychological warfare” or “emotional boot camp,” underscoring how demanding the experience can be for participants.
Darnell’s entry into Greek life came when her mother brought her to Sorority Row before freshman year. She recalls being hooked despite initial hesitations from her parents. A short TikTok on the first day of recruitment helped propel her into influencer status, and over time she has built a following of about 1.2 million, with tens of millions of likes, sharing everything from philanthropy events to sisterhood activities.
While she characterizes the journey as fun and something she wouldn’t trade, Darnell acknowledges the scrutiny that comes with being under a constant public lens. She emphasizes that this year’s rush feels more intense, and she asks her followers not to tag her in posts about other girls to avoid fueling unnecessary drama.
Her message is not a call to end rushing, she says, but a personal decision to protect her peace. She explained that she has been struggling with the pressure and cannot pretend otherwise online this week. She will remain an active sorority member but will take a break from posting and helping with recruitment to support her little sister and spend time with family.
Bid Day for thousands of Alabama sorority hopefuls is scheduled for August 17, and Darnell will be watching from the sidelines to prioritize well-being over performance.
Summary of context and value:
– Darnell has been a prominent face in the Bama Rush trend, shaping perceptions of sorority recruitment on campus and online.
– The decision reflects growing conversations around mental health and boundaries for student influencers balancing campus life with social media fame.
– The move highlights the pressures of highly publicized recruitment cycles and the importance of prioritizing personal health.
Positive note:
This departure sends a constructive message about self-care and setting healthy boundaries, potentially encouraging other students and content creators to assess their own mental health needs without stigma. It also shows campus communities can support individuals who choose to step back, even while continuing to participate in the broader traditions they care about. If Darnell’s break leads to continued advocacy for well-being within Greek life, it could contribute to a more sustainable, compassionate approach to campus culture.