‘Queen of Sorority Rush’ Kylan Darnell Breaks Her Silence After Stepping Back from Bama Rush (Exclusive)

Kylan Darnell Opens Up After Stepping Back from Bama Rush

Kylan Darnell, known for her prominent presence during freshman rush week at the University of Alabama, recently made headlines after announcing her decision to step back from participating in Bama Rush during her senior year. As an exclusive with PEOPLE, Darnell shared insights on her sorority experience at the University of Alabama and offered unexpected advice for incoming recruits.

Darnell shot to social media fame in 2022 with her viral recruitment videos and earned the moniker “Queen of Bama Rush” during her freshman year. As a member of Zeta Tau Alpha at Alabama, she cultivated a significant online following by sharing glimpses of college life and Greek life, always signing off with her signature upbeat phrase, “I hope you’re having a great day, not not just a good day.”

In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Darnell revealed the internal struggles she faced amidst the pressure of being a public figure, especially during recruitment. Reflecting on her time as a ZTA member, she expressed her initial joy in sharing the sorority experience online. However, as time passed, she found herself grappling with the challenges of maintaining a positive facade while dealing with personal difficulties.

The decision to step back from rush was not taken lightly by Darnell, who had eagerly participated in the pre-recruitment activities leading up to the event. Additionally, the involvement of her younger sister, Izzy, in the recruitment process added another layer of complexity to her situation, as online interactions between the siblings amplified the existing pressures she was facing.

Amidst her own social media success, Darnell surprised many by advising potential new members to refrain from posting about their rush experiences online. She cautioned against the potential negative impact that social media presence could have on one’s sorority recruitment journey, urging individuals to stay true to themselves throughout the process.

Despite the challenges she encountered, Darnell expressed her intention to see through her graduation and remain connected with her sorority sisters beyond college. Looking ahead, she plans to shift her content focus towards sports broadcasting and navigating the transition from college to the real world, while keeping her audience updated on upcoming projects.

As she navigates her final year on campus, Darnell looks forward to embracing new opportunities and experiences away from the intense spotlight of Bama Rush. With a fresh perspective on authenticity and self-expression, she aims to share her journey of personal growth and professional development with her followers.

In conclusion, Kylan Darnell’s decision to step back from Bama Rush marks a significant turning point in her collegiate journey, prompting reflection on the pressures of social media influence and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst external expectations. As she embarks on a new chapter post-sorority life, Darnell’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating the intersection of online presence and personal authenticity.