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Fox News
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Southern sorority girls put through 'psychological warfare' in cutthroat Bama Rush recruitment: coach
Sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama, better known as "Bama Rush," has become a viral cultural moment, with thousands watching to see which houses incoming freshmen join. It's a week defined by carefully coordinated outfits, whirlwind conversations, and now, millions of TikTok views. While rush has always been a high-stakes tradition in the South, the social media age has turned it into a viral spectacle. Videos from the University of Alabama's sorority rush week went viral on TikTok in 2021. The #bamarush and #alabamarush hashtags on TikTok have attracted millions of views during the past few years and continue to do so. "It's emotional boot camp. It's psychological warfare," Brandis Bradley, a sorority coach, told PEOPLE of the process of primary recruitment. "And their frontal lobes aren't even fully developed." For two members of Zeta Tau Alpha — senior Kylan Darnell and junior Kaiden Kilpatrick — the reality of Greek life is personal and powerful after the two women harnessed social media to attract thousands of viewers to their pages. Darnell didn't grow up with Southern sorority culture. The reigning Miss Ohio Teen USA at the time, she arrived at Alabama from a small town with little knowledge of what rush even entailed. "I was the first person from my high school to go to Alabama," Darnell told Fox News Digital. "I had no idea about the culture, and honestly, I felt clueless. When I got to orientation and other girls started talking about rush, I had to ask, 'What is that?'" That same night, she got her first real taste of what sorority life looked like when a group of girls and their mothers took her down Sorority Row. She was instantly hooked. "I called my mom and said, 'Mother, I have to try to be in a sorority,'" she recalled. "But my parents weren't on board at first. My mom said no. My dad said, 'We're not paying for friends.'" "He told me, 'You're the most outgoing girl we know, you'll be fine without it.' But I kept pushing. Daddy listened to his little princess," she added with a laugh. "Eventually, I talked them into it." A spontaneous TikTok she made on the first day of recruitment, originally sent to her family's text message group chat to explain the process to her family, went viral while she was still in orientation. Within hours, her life changed. "That first video was supposed to be a video diary for my family," she said. "But I posted it on TikTok, and when I came back from convocation, my phone had blown up. I couldn't believe it." Her audience grew overnight. "After that, my life completely changed," she said. "I became financially independent and was able to pay for the rest of college through TikTok. It launched my platform, and gave me a voice." But that platform came with a price. Darnell, now with 1.2 million followers and over 82 million likes, said the scrutiny became overwhelming. "It's been fun and I wouldn't trade it, but it's also been really hard to navigate college while being under a microscope," she said. "People forget that we're real people." Kaiden Kilpatrick, who joined Zeta in 2023 and now has over 228,000 TikTok followers of her own, echoed that sentiment, but said social media also brought access. "It's helping more than anything, but it creates a 'highlight reel,'" Kilpatrick told Fox News Digital. "Recruitment is so much more than TikTok trends. It's about finding people who push you to grow. The challenge is reminding everyone there's real connection and purpose behind all the aesthetics." Darnell agreed, and this year, she chose to take a step back. "I didn't want to keep posting just for views," she said. "When my younger sister started rushing, the comments about her were brutal. I needed to protect my peace." She also acknowledged how quickly things can turn toxic. "The comments start coming in, and suddenly it's not fun anymore. It used to be something I was proud to show. But people began making assumptions about my sorority or my sister, and it was exhausting." Both women shared the impact of the community of high achievers that their sorority has provided. "Leadership isn't just about holding a title," said Kilpatrick. "It's about showing up for people on their worst days, not just their best. Loyalty isn't blind. It's choosing to have someone's back even when it's hard or inconvenient." For Darnell, an aspiring sports broadcaster, the value of Greek life showed up in one unforgettable moment when she was connected to renowned sports broadcaster Erin Andrews. "Right after I ran home to Zeta, I got a call from Erin Andrews. She's a Zeta too," she said. "She told me, 'Good job, little Kylan — I can't wait to see you fill my shoes.' That was surreal." Beyond the glamour, she said, the real value is in the way sororities support driven women. "People think it's all parties and outfits, but I've met some of the most motivated, career-focused women I know through my sorority," she said. "Being surrounded by girls who are also striving for something, it helped me push toward my dreams too." "It's more than social life. It's GPA standards, philanthropy, leadership training. My house emphasizes academics and it's full of girls who are future CEOs, doctors, broadcasters." Still, both women admit the future of RushTok is uncertain. With growing scrutiny, misconceptions, and pressure, they're not sure the next wave of college freshmen will document the process as openly. "It's getting to the point where I don't think girls will keep posting," Darnell said. "The negativity is too much. It used to be so fun, now it's stressful." "You have girls getting judged on what they wear, where they end up, and then complete strangers attack the sororities when things don't go the way they expected. That's not what this is about." Kilpatrick echoed the concern but expressed hope. "Instead of tearing girls down for being 'too much,'" she said, "we should be celebrating the fact that they're putting themselves out there in a high-pressure environment where it's way easier to hide." "At a school where tradition is everything," she added, "I see my role as honoring it, but also making sure it evolves with the women in it." At the University of Alabama, on Aug. 17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, is when thousands of students find out which sorority has accepted their membership bid.
USA Today
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
New, unscripted sorority rush show drops Aug. 11. Here's how to watch.
This online phenomenon is coming to television. Lifetime's new one-hour unscripted show, "A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!" will give a glimpse into "one of the most competitive and increasingly viral events in the life of a college-bound girl: Sorority Rush," according to a press release. The episodes will follow two mother-daughter pairs as they chase their sorority aspirations. "These moms, daughters and even grandmothers and siblings will do anything it takes to help get them accepted into their legacy sororities, making them sisters in every sense," the press release continued. Here's what we know about "A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!" Previously: The problem with treating Bama Rush TikTokers like famous reality stars How to watch 'A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!' "A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!" is set to air on Monday, Aug. 11, at 10 p.m. on Lifetime. What is sorority rush? Sorority rush is a multi-day process at colleges and universities where prospective members interview with current members of the Greek organization they are interested in, with the hope of being initiated into the sisterhood. In recent years, young women have been catapulted into virality by showing off their outfits for rush events, known on a corner of the internet as #RushTok. Among the most popular are those who attend the University of Alabama, the site of 2023 documentary "Bama Rush." 'A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!' trailer Confirmed cast TV personality and pageant consultant Bill Alverson and Brandis Bradley, proclaimed as the Queen of #RushTok, will help the women on their journeys. Also included in the show is "Bama Morgan," who gained popularity on TikTok after sharing her freshman year experience, the press release stated. Contributing: Emily DeLetter, Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pushy moms are blowing $10K on Gucci bags, Cartier rings to give their daughters a leg up during sorority rush: ‘I want it more than her'
Don't mess with these mamas. Colloquially known as 'the NFL draft for women,' sorority rush has officially begun — and a new reality show is honing in on the overbearing moms who'll stop at nothing to get their daughters into their desired house. 'For every girl going through rush, there's a mom behind her that wants it as bad as she does,' Brandis Bradley says in the trailer for the new series, 'Sorority Moms Guide To Rush,' which premieres on Lifetime next Monday night. 'I might want it more than [my daughter],' one mom admitted in the trailer, while another said, 'I'm living vicariously through her.' Money-minded mamas are sparing no expense, splashing serious cash on clothes, bags and jewellery, so their girls get a leg-up during the grueling process. 'A rush budget to me is non-existent,' one mother declared in the trailer of the reality show. One girl — or rather, her mother — spent over $10,000 in preparation for it, which had her father rolling his eyes and her brother declaring: 'You could buy a car with that.' Once girls snag a spot in one of the coveted clubs, the expenses don't stop. Dues to stay in sororities, paid each semester, are often thousands of dollars on top of initial rush costs. The University of Alabama is no doubt the most notorious for its elaborate Greek life recruitment, but the girls on the inside say it's not just 'Bama — it's basic protocol at any SEC school worth its salt. 'Bring your pocketbooks, because you've got to pay to play on sorority row,' Bradley warned. Brand-new Gucci bags, Cartier rings, and Golden Goose sneakers are all must-haves for sorority sisters-to-be — but these trendy favorites come with a hefty price tag. Even these accessories alone set families back over $5,000. Some parents even hire rush coaches to ensure their girls get a spot in a 'top-ranked' house. The counselors guide the girls through every step of the process — interviews, social media presence and outfits, among other things. While there are budget-friendly options for frugal freshmen, some parents are willing to spend as much as $4,000 for a top-tier tutor. 'Maybe I need counseling or something,' one mom reflected in the trailer. Parents in the series explained that Greek life has been a component of the SEC college life for generations, but others say that Southern sorority life hasn't always been like this. 'It's like 'Toddlers and Tiaras' but make it college,' one commenter wrote under the trailer, while another remarked, 'Thank God I rushed in 2003 and didn't need all this! It's so superficial.' Despite the noise, many college gals are still psyched to rush. 'It's not this deep. Anyone and everyone can rush. It's an amazing opportunity to meet friends and people you'll know forever. I didn't know a single thing about rush, went in with an open mind, and ended up where I was supposed to,' one gal gushed in the comments. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Pushy moms are blowing $10K on Gucci bags, Cartier rings to give their daughters a leg up during sorority rush: 'I want it more than her'
Don't mess with these mamas. Colloquially known as 'the NFL draft for women,' sorority rush has officially begun — and a new reality show is honing in on the overbearing moms who'll stop at nothing to get their daughters into their desired house. 'For every girl going through rush, there's a mom behind her that wants it as bad as she does,' Brandis Bradley says in the trailer for the new series, 'Sorority Moms Guide To Rush,' which premieres on Lifetime next Monday night. 'I might want it more than [my daughter],' one mom admitted in the trailer, while another said, 'I'm living vicariously through her.' Money-minded mamas are sparing no expense, splashing serious cash on clothes, bags and jewellery, so their girls get a leg-up during the grueling process. @officiallifetimetv Sisterhood starts here! 💕 Step inside sorority Rush like never before – following mother-daughter duos from applications to Bid Day 💌👗 #SororityMomsGuideToRush premieres Monday, August 11th at 10/9c only on Lifetime! #RushTok ♬ original sound – LifetimeTV 3 Though some critics slam the culture as toxic, many girls say it's a dream to be in a top Southern sorority. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images 'A rush budget to me is non-existent,' one mother declared in the trailer of the reality show. One girl — or rather, her mother — spent over $10,000 in preparation for it, which had her father rolling his eyes and her brother declaring: 'You could buy a car with that.' Once girls snag a spot in one of the coveted clubs, the expenses don't stop. Dues to stay in sororities, paid each semester, are often thousands of dollars on top of initial rush costs. The University of Alabama is no doubt the most notorious for its elaborate Greek life recruitment, but the girls on the inside say it's not just 'Bama — it's basic protocol at any SEC school worth its salt. 3 Schools like the University of South Carolina (pictured here), the University of Arkansas and the University of Mississippi are particularly well-known for Greek life rush. USC Kappa Kappa Gamma / TikTok 'Bring your pocketbooks, because you've got to pay to play on sorority row,' Bradley warned. Brand-new Gucci bags, Cartier rings, and Golden Goose sneakers are all must-haves for sorority sisters-to-be — but these trendy favorites come with a hefty price tag. Even these accessories alone set families back over $5,000. Some parents even hire rush coaches to ensure their girls get a spot in a 'top-ranked' house. 3 Some sororities are more coveted than others. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images The counselors guide the girls through every step of the process — interviews, social media presence and outfits, among other things. While there are budget-friendly options for frugal freshmen, some parents are willing to spend as much as $4,000 for a top-tier tutor. 'Maybe I need counseling or something,' one mom reflected in the trailer. Parents in the series explained that Greek life has been a component of the SEC college life for generations, but others say that Southern sorority life hasn't always been like this. 'It's like 'Toddlers and Tiaras' but make it college,' one commenter wrote under the trailer, while another remarked, 'Thank God I rushed in 2003 and didn't need all this! It's so superficial.' Despite the noise, many college gals are still psyched to rush. 'It's not this deep. Anyone and everyone can rush. It's an amazing opportunity to meet friends and people you'll know forever. I didn't know a single thing about rush, went in with an open mind, and ended up where I was supposed to,' one gal gushed in the comments.
Daily Mail
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bama Rush moms' extreme lengths to get daughters into sororities as they declare 'budget is non-existent'
The moms of Bama Rush and their desperate measures to ensure their daughters get into their dream sorority are front and center of a new 10–part documentary series – and it seems there's no expense they're willing to spare. It's almost rush season at the University of Alabama, and thousands of newcomers will soon be vying for a spot in one of the colleges coveted alliances. Behind them are their mothers, who are sometimes more hellbent at getting their children in than they are. New Lifetime series A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush! is set to shine a light on the moms who are so eager to make sure their daughters get a spot that there's nothing they won't do. 'If I have to bake cakes and slap her face on the front and deliver them to every single sorority house, I'm doing it,' one declares in the first look trailer while another laughs as she says, 'maybe I need counseling or something.' Parents are known to splash thousands of dollars on Bama Rush to ensure their daughters are decked out with designer goods such as Gucci purses, Dior bags, and Cartier jewelry. 'You've got to pay if you want to play on sorority row,' says one mother. 'A rush budget to me is non–existent,' one mom proudly boasts, while one dad leaps up to grab his check book. 'These parents are willing to drop thousands of dollars on clothes, jewelry, even Rush consultants,' Brandis Bradley, who is known as the Queen of #RushTok, reveals. Each episode of A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush! will follow two mother–daughter duos as they prepare for Bama Rush, which is the process where sororities recruit new members. Bringing guidance, glam and a lot of honesty to the journey are two breakout names from the world of Rush: New York Times profiled consultant Bill Alverson and The Queen of #RushTok, Brandis. 'With their expertise, they help these families prepare their daughters to make a lasting impression to land a spot in their top–tier house,' the synopsis teases. 'These moms, daughters and even grandmothers and siblings will do anything it takes to help get them accepted into their legacy sororities, making them sisters in every sense.' While viewers will have to wait to see the coaches' invaluable advice, it's clear that social they hold a no–holds–barred approach. 'I am the ultimate authority when it comes to Rush on TikTok,' Brandis says in the trailer. 'If you're going through Rush, you're going to want to get on my radar.' The University of Alabama figures are not for the faint-hearted. For those joining a sorority for the first time a lump payment of $4,750 is charged on average in the fall semester for new member fees, plus another sum the following semester. Living in-house is much more expensive and costs on average $8,400 per semester, which includes room, chapter meal plan, local chapter fees, and inter/national fees, while living out of house costs on average $4,100 per semester. Last year, Daily Mail spoke to former pageant queen Kylan Darnell, who revealed she had spent close to an eye-watering $100,000 to be in an elite sorority at the University of Alabama. 'It is pretty expensive to be in a sorority,' she said, 'but at the end of the day I feel like it's more of a networking experience,. 'And I love that I found my future bridesmaids doing it. I could not imagine what my college experience would have been like without Greek life, it has definitely changed my life for the better.'
