Graphic Designer Reveals Process for WVU Coal Rush Uniform

Do you love the new WVU Coal Rush uniform? If so, you have former lead graphic designer for West Virginia Athletics Kristin Coldsnow to thank. She is who came up with the concept and design and then pitched it to the WVU football program for approval.

And now on the eve of seeing the Mountaineers wear her creation on national television in a big conference game, Coldsnow is offering a bit of peek behind the curtain of how we got to this point.

“Since I’m getting caught up in the hype, I thought I’d share the first conceptual renderings. This was step 1 in the post-research design process and the foundation for big dawg approval from the coaching staff and senior admin. Hop over to my IG @krcoldsnow for more details,” revealed Coldsnow on social media on Friday.

Since I'm getting caught up in the hype, I thought I'd share the first conceptual renderings. This was step 1 in the post-research design process and the foundation for big dawg approval from the coaching staff and senior admin. Hop over to my IG @krcoldsnow for more details. pic.twitter.com/69wQpFTElc

— Kristin Coldsnow (@KristinColdsnow) October 11, 2024

Even though there are WVU fans not so thrilled about seeing their beloved Mountaineers in anything other than their traditional color scheme, Coldsnow can at least take comfort in knowing the players are excited about playing in the Coal Rush uniform.

A few WVU players were asked what they think of the all black alternate uniform that honors the state’s connection to the coal industry. And the consensus opinion of CJ Donaldson, Jaheem Joseph and Wyatt Milum about the Coal Rush uniform seems to be a big two thumbs up.

Joseph, who is coming off his best game as a Mountaineer after recording four tackles and grabbing his first interception of the season in West Virginia’s dominating performance over Oklahoma State, called the Coal Rush uniform “so hard” and said the all black provides a different type of energy.

‘Boost of Energy’: WVU Players Offer Opinions of Coal Rush Uniform

“I like black… So all black is a different type of energy, a different type of step to you,” said Joseph with a big smile.

Donaldson shares Joseph’s love for rocking a new and fresh black jersey. “I’m just ready to put those black jerseys on. They look pretty cool.”

While Milum isn’t much of a swag guy, he also recognizes the boost in energy a completely different look can offer the team.

“So the uniform, they’re nice but I just think it gives a little bit more energy going into the game.” But Milum made sure to temper the excitement a bit and emphasize that playing well is far more important than what you’re wearing.

Coldsnow was also responsible for WVU’s Country Roads uniform the Mountaineers debuted in the return of the Backyard Brawl in 2022 and then another version in 2023 among many other designs across West Virginia sports. She still works with WVU on a freelance capacity.

Below is from a press release when WVU’s new set of uniforms were announced in April. 

As with the “Country Roads” uniforms of 2022 and 2023, West Virginia’s new uniforms were designed in-house by the athletics department with key input from Nike. Members of the athletics department design team were Kristin Coldsnow, Matt Wells, Michael Fragale, Joe Swan and Steve Uryasz. The design team worked in conjunction with football equipment managers Dan Nehlen and Austin Blake, along with football coach Neal Brown and football administrators Patrick Johnston and Coleman Barnes, to finalize West Virginia’s new look for 2024.

Information about the Coal Rush game:

The Mountaineers 3-2 (2-0, Big 12) and Cyclones 5-0 (2-0, Big 12) are set to kickoff at 8 pm ET on Oct. 12. WVU will debut their new Coal Rush uniform under the Milan Puskar Stadium lights. WVU is considered a slight underdog going into the game.

The Saturday night atmosphere will also serve as the backdrop to Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht’s father Anthony being honored. Former Mountaineer Anthony Becht was unable to attend his induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame and will be honored when his son is in town.

A special drone show will take place for fans in attendance at half time as well.

Both WVU and Iowa State are among five remaining undefeated teams in the Big 12 standings. Iowa State is coming off a 43-21 win over Baylor.

For a related story, Mike Asti and Ethan Bock discussed what a win over Iowa State would mean for WVU and Neal Brown on an episode of Mountaineer Report.

For a related story, WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti explains why a win over Iowa State would be the biggest for Neal Brown at WVU.