Bama Rush: Where are They Now? Catching Up with the Stars
by A Maria
Updated May 30, 2023
Bama Rush
In August 2021, a social phenomenon known as Alabama Rush, or the weeklong sorority recruitment process at the University of Alabama, captured the attention of millions of TikTok users. While the university's extensive Greek system had been covered by the media before, TikTok provided a unique perspective by offering an inside glimpse into the outfits, Rush Bags, and the high aspirations of numerous potential new members (PNMs). Throughout the week, these PNMs documented their experiences, generating significant excitement and anticipation.
The overwhelming interest surrounding Alabama Rush led to HBO Max and Vice Studios announcing the production of a documentary centered around the #BamaRush and #RushTok hashtags. The documentary was scheduled to coincide with Rush Week 2022, which was playfully referred to as "season two" on TikTok. This announcement further fueled the enthusiasm surrounding the event, as people eagerly anticipated the release of the documentary to delve deeper into the captivating world of sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama.
Bama Rush: Where are They Now?
Shelby
Shelby Rose, a vibrant and cheerful high school senior from Quincy, Illinois, is introduced as one of the potential new members (PNMs) we encounter during her transition to college. Having participated in pageants for a significant portion of her life, Shelby had also taken the initiative to establish a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting foster children and families in Illinois during her high school years. Throughout the sorority recruitment process, Shelby strived to maintain an air of elegance, composure, and serenity. She meticulously organized her application documents in a binder and meticulously managed her outfits through Google spreadsheets. Upon participating in Rush, Shelby quickly became a popular figure on TikTok, amassing tens of thousands of followers on the platform.
However, as rumors circulated around campus about the forthcoming documentary, Shelby decided to halt her filming activities prior to the start of Rush. Nonetheless, we later discover in the film's conclusion that she successfully gained admission into her top choice, Phi Mu. After the release of the Bama Rush trailer on May 5, Shelby posted a TikTok video explaining her departure from the project, stating that the direction it was taking did not align with her personal morals and values. In the caption of her post, she expressed the toll it had taken on her mental and physical well-being, expressing gratitude for leaving when she did and offering prayers for all the University of Alabama sorority members. Shelby remains dedicated to spreading positivity and illuminating the world with a hopeful light.
Presently, Shelby has completed her freshman year at the University of Alabama, where she is pursuing a major in public relations and a minor in digital content engagement. Additionally, she has forged partnerships with prominent brands through her TikTok account, which boasts over 64,000 followers.
Holliday
Hailey Holliday, known as Holliday in the documentary, embarked on her freshman year at the University of Alabama (UA) while the filming of the documentary was underway. Despite facing a disappointment in the previous year when she was dropped by an unnamed sorority after initially pledging, Holliday intended to participate in Rush again in 2022. However, her journey took a turn when she was expelled from the sorority after being spotted wearing the "wrong sticker," which referred to wearing a sticker displaying the letters of another sorority—an action that is typically frowned upon according to most sororities' codes of conduct.
Makayla
Makayla Miller, distinct from Makayla Culpepper who gained popularity during the 2021 wave of #RushTok, had intentions to participate in Rush during her sophomore year at UA. As a freshman, she initially sought the assistance of sorority coach Trisha Addicks to navigate the process. However, Makayla ultimately made the decision to withdraw from Rush Week. During the documentary, Makayla shared her realization that, as a sophomore, she could still enjoy her life without being a part of a sorority. She expressed her personal perspective, stating that she didn't believe she could commit to it, although she acknowledged that there were other girls who genuinely enjoyed the sorority experience.
Currently continuing her studies at UA, Makayla is now an incoming junior pursuing a degree in criminology. Her choice of career was influenced by her father, a police officer who passed away when she was 13 years old. Following the release of the documentary, Makayla seems to have maintained a low profile, although her Instagram account remains accessible to the public.
Isabelle
Isabelle Eacrett, a high school senior from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, acknowledged in the documentary that she likely wouldn't have chosen the University of Alabama if it hadn't gained popularity on TikTok. Throughout her senior year, Isabelle was passionate and "nervited"—a blend of nervous and excited—about participating in Rush. She even sought guidance from Rush consultant Sloan Anderson. In the film, Isabelle expressed her belief that being in a sorority would help her discover her identity and gain a sense of self-worth. She had always felt the need to be part of something as a defining aspect of her identity. Isabelle continued to be part of the documentary, documenting her experiences during Rush Week. The week culminated with her receiving an offer from her top choice, Alpha Delta Pi. Currently, Isabelle is majoring in advertising.
Recently, Isabelle shared her Bama Rush experience on TikTok, explaining her desire to share her story and shed light on the reality of being a young woman in 2022. In the documentary, Isabelle courageously opened up about being sexually assaulted just two weeks before Rush. In her social media post, she revealed that she had contemplated dropping out of the documentary and Rush altogether due to the trauma she had experienced. Despite her initial concerns, Isabelle found solace in genuine and profound conversations with the people she met during Rush. She advised other girls going through Rush to trust the process and strive for authentic connections. Isabelle's journey serves as a testament to resilience and the ability to find strength in the face of adversity.
Gracie O'Connor
O'Connor, one of the original influencers who gained fame during the 2021 #BamaRush, makes an appearance in the documentary as an interviewed expert. During filming, she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi, and in May 2022, she successfully graduated from the University of Alabama with two degrees. Sharing a heartfelt photo with her senior sorority sisters, she expressed gratitude, saying, "thank you Jesus for giving me the BEST girls to have by my side these last 4 years."
Since her time at the University of Alabama, Gracie has been chronicling her adventures around the world on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. According to her bio, she has already explored 63 countries and continues to add to the list. When the trailer for the Bama Rush documentary was released, Gracie couldn't contain her excitement and shared her reaction on TikTok. "I can't believe it, I am literally shaking," she exclaimed, before admitting, "Wait, I kind of love it!" Her enthusiasm for the project was evident, showcasing her continued interest and engagement in the Rush experience at UA.
What is the Machine in ‘Bama Rush’?
Currently, The University of Alabama is home to 24 sororities, and these Greek organizations are the focus of the upcoming HBO Max documentary, Bama Rush. The documentary's trailer initially showcases the enjoyable aspects of pledging and bidding, but as soon as students start questioning the Machine, everything takes a dramatic turn. Rush week at The University of Alabama involves numerous intricate processes, and a YouTube user even commented on the trailer, noting that sorority life and recruitment differ significantly in northern regions. The documentary delves into the Machine and the events that unfold during rush week at The University of Alabama.
Bama Rush: Where Are They Now - FAQs
Alabama Rush refers to the weeklong sorority recruitment process at the University of Alabama that gained widespread attention on TikTok in August 2021. It captured the interest of millions of users due to its unique insight into the outfits, Rush Bags, and the experiences of potential new members (PNMs) who documented their journey throughout the week. The extensive coverage on TikTok generated significant excitement and anticipation among viewers.
The immense popularity and curiosity surrounding Alabama Rush prompted HBO Max and Vice Studios to announce the creation of a documentary focused on the #BamaRush and #RushTok hashtags. This documentary aimed to provide a deeper exploration of the sorority recruitment process at the University of Alabama. It was scheduled to coincide with Rush Week 2022, which was humorously referred to as "season two" on TikTok, further heightening the anticipation surrounding the documentary's release.
The Alabama Rush documentary will offer an inside look into the captivating world of sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama. It will delve into the experiences of PNMs, showcasing their aspirations, challenges, and the processes involved in Rush Week. The documentary aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Alabama Rush, exploring the excitement, expectations, and realities of sorority life at the university.
The Alabama Rush documentary is scheduled to be released during Rush Week 2022, as announced by HBO Max and Vice Studios. The specific release date has not been disclosed yet, but viewers can look forward to experiencing the fascinating journey of sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama in the near future.
Yes, the Alabama Rush documentary will be available for streaming on HBO Max. HBO Max and Vice Studios have collaborated to bring this captivating documentary to viewers, allowing them to delve into the world of sorority recruitment and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by PNMs during Rush Week at the University of Alabama.