The 3 Shocking Seasons Of Stephenie LaGrossa: From Sole Survivor To Villain And Her Latest Reality TV Return

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick remains one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in the history of *Survivor*, a true icon whose journey from beloved underdog to controversial villain captivated millions across three different seasons. As of December 10, 2025, her legacy is not just a footnote in reality television history but a compelling case study in the show’s dramatic narrative power, recently bolstered by her return to the genre on other hit shows. Her story is a phenomenal arc of perseverance, strategic missteps, and a personal life that blossomed away from the cameras. Her initial run in *Survivor: Palau* created one of the show's most heartbreaking and memorable moments, establishing her immediately as a fan favorite, which led to a lightning-fast return and a controversial near-win. This article breaks down all three of her *Survivor* appearances, examines her dramatic shift in public perception, and brings you up to speed on her family life and recent reality television appearances.

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: Full Biography and Profile

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, born Stephenie Danielle LaGrossa, is an American television personality and former nurse whose athletic build and determined spirit made her a formidable competitor on *Survivor*. Her career in reality television spans over two decades, making her a legendary figure in the genre.

• Full Name: Stephenie Danielle LaGrossa Kendrick (née LaGrossa)
• Date of Birth: December 6, 1979
• Current Age: 46 (as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Education: Archbishop Prendergast High School; Temple University
• Original Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Spouse: Kyle Kendrick (m. 2010)
• Children: 3
• Current Occupation: Reality Television Personality, Entrepreneur
• Notable Seasons: *Survivor: Palau*, *Survivor: Guatemala*, *Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains*
• Latest TV Appearance: *The Traitors* (Season 1)

Season 1: Survivor: Palau (The Sole Survivor of Ulong)

Stephenie LaGrossa’s debut on *Survivor: Palau* (Season 10) in 2005 is arguably the most influential part of her television career. She quickly became known as "America's Sweetheart" due to her incredible grit and determination in the face of insurmountable odds.

The Ulong Tribe's Catastrophic Collapse

The season started with a schoolyard pick, where Stephenie was chosen for the Ulong tribe. Ulong quickly became one of the most infamously disastrous tribes in *Survivor* history. They lost every single immunity challenge, leading to a relentless string of Tribal Councils. Week after week, Stephenie watched her tribemates—including Bobby Jon Drinkard—get voted out. The ultimate moment of her season came when Stephenie became the Sole Survivor of the Ulong tribe. After the elimination of the final male member, she was left completely alone on the Ulong beach, forced to fend for herself. This dramatic, unprecedented event cemented her status as a legendary underdog, a narrative so powerful that she was immediately absorbed into the dominant Koror tribe. However, the Koror alliance, led by Tom Westman and Ian Rosenberger, was too tight to crack, and she was voted out on Day 30, finishing in 7th place. Her performance was so impactful that she was the first person in *Survivor* history to be asked back to compete in the very next season.

Season 2: Survivor: Guatemala (The Villain Arc and Near-Win)

The rapid turnaround saw Stephenie return for *Survivor: Guatemala – The Maya Empire* (Season 11) just months after her *Palau* appearance. This season showcased a completely different side of her gameplay, transforming her public image from a sympathetic hero to a ruthless villain.

The Shift to Villainy and the Rafe Alliance

Starting on the Nakúm tribe, Stephenie immediately used her veteran status to form a powerful, tight alliance with Rafe Judkins. The game saw her take a dominant, aggressive approach, controlling the votes and making strategic decisions that alienated many of the new players. The defining moment of her *Guatemala* run was her perceived betrayal and condescending attitude towards the original Guatemala castaways. While she and Rafe controlled the post-merge game, she was seen as arrogant and overly confident. This shift in perception proved fatal at the Final Tribal Council. Despite making it to the final two, the jury—bitter about her aggressive gameplay—voted heavily for the quiet, socially adept underdog, Danni Boatwright. Stephenie lost the million dollars, receiving only one jury vote and finishing as the Runner-Up. This dramatic "rise and fall" is often cited as one of the best character arcs in *Survivor* history.

Season 3: Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (A Brief but Brutal Return)

Stephenie's third appearance was on the highly anticipated *Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains* (Season 20) in 2010. Based on her *Palau* heroics, she was placed on the Heroes tribe, despite her controversial *Guatemala* performance. Her reputation preceded her, and her aggressive style did not mesh well with the other legendary players on her tribe, such as James Clement and Tom Westman. The other contestants, wary of her past dominance and strategic intensity, quickly targeted her. In a shocking early vote, Stephenie was the second person voted out of the season, finishing in 19th place. Her short-lived return was a disappointing end to her *Survivor* career, but it solidified her status as a three-time player and a polarizing figure.

Life After Survivor: Marriage, Family, and The Traitors

Following her third *Survivor* appearance, Stephenie LaGrossa took a significant, 12-year hiatus from reality television to focus on her personal life and family. In 2010, she married former Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick, taking the name Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick. She dedicated her life to raising their three children and supporting her husband's Major League Baseball career. This period allowed her to step away from the public eye and the intense scrutiny that followed her *Survivor* journey.

The Reality TV Comeback on The Traitors

The biggest update to Stephenie's career came in 2022 and 2023, signaling a return to the competitive reality TV world. She first appeared on the USA Network series *Snake in the Grass* in 2022. The following year, she joined the star-studded cast of Peacock’s hit competition show, The Traitors (Season 1). Competing alongside fellow *Survivor* legend Cirie Fields and other reality stars, Stephenie proved she still had a keen strategic mind. Her appearance on *The Traitors* was a significant return to form, as she navigated the complex social and strategic web of the game, ultimately finishing in 7th place. Her participation in *The Traitors* introduced her incredible story to a new generation of fans and proved that the competitive fire that made her famous in *Palau* and *Guatemala* still burns bright.