Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick remains one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in the history of reality television, a legend forged in the crucible of *Survivor: Palau* (Season 10). As of December 10, 2025, her narrative is far from over, having recently returned to the screen and sparked significant public debate, proving that the fiery competitor who captivated millions in 2005 is still making headlines today.
Her initial run on *Survivor: Palau* cemented her status as an all-time great, a fierce competitor who defied the odds and became the sole survivor of the doomed Ulong tribe. However, the years since her dramatic debut have been filled with three more reality TV appearances, a high-profile marriage, and a series of controversial public statements that have reshaped her image from fan-favorite hero to a much more complicated figure in the pop culture landscape.
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: A Complete Biography and Reality TV Profile
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick’s life and career are a testament to her competitive spirit, spanning collegiate athletics, three seasons of *Survivor*, and a recent resurgence in the reality competition sphere. Her story is one of unprecedented highs and dramatic lows, both on and off the island.
- Full Name: Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick (née LaGrossa)
- Born: December 6, 1979
- Age (as of 2025): 45
- Hometown: Glenolden, Pennsylvania
- Education: Monmouth University (Lacrosse Player)
- Original Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Spouse: Kyle Kendrick (Former MLB Pitcher)
- Children: Two daughters (Sophia and Katie) and a son (Kyle Jr.)
- Current Residence: Florida
- Reality TV History:
- Survivor: Palau (Season 10, 2005): 7th Place, 3rd Juror. (Sole survivor of the Ulong tribe)
- Survivor: Guatemala (Season 11, 2005): Runner-Up
- Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20, 2010): 20th Place
- Snake in the Grass (2022): Contestant
- The Traitors US (Season 2, 2024): 7th Place (Banishment)
- Survivor 50 (Upcoming): Confirmed to return
The Legend of Ulong: Stephenie's Unbreakable Palau Run
Stephenie LaGrossa’s debut on *Survivor: Palau* in 2005 is arguably the most dominant and tragic individual performance in the show's history. She was originally placed on the Ulong tribe, which quickly became the most disastrous tribe in the show's run.
The Ulong tribe lost every single Immunity Challenge, leading to a relentless string of Tribal Councils. One by one, her tribemates—including Bobby Jon Drinkard, Ibrehem Rahman, and Angie Jakusz—were voted out, until Stephenie was the last person remaining.
For days, Stephenie lived alone on the Ulong beach, a solitary figure scavenging for food and water, a true symbol of resilience against impossible odds. This unprecedented event created a television spectacle: a single competitor representing an entire tribe. When Ulong was officially dissolved, Stephenie was absorbed into the dominant Koror tribe, led by eventual winner Tom Westman.
While she was initially welcomed, her strong gameplay and status as a lone wolf made her a target. She managed to survive several votes after the merge but was ultimately voted out on Day 30, finishing in 7th place and becoming the third juror. Her popularity was so immense that she was immediately invited back to compete in the very next season, *Survivor: Guatemala*, a rare feat in the show's history.
From Survivor Runner-Up to The Traitors: Stephenie's Reality TV Resurgence
Stephenie's reality television career didn't end with her *Palau* legend. Her journey continued with two more high-profile appearances, culminating in a recent return to the genre that has brought her back into the spotlight.
The Guatemala and Heroes vs. Villains Eras
In *Survivor: Guatemala* (Season 11), Stephenie returned as a "challenge beast" and a strategic threat. She quickly formed a strong alliance and played an aggressive game, making it all the way to the Final Tribal Council. However, her demanding and sometimes abrasive gameplay style, a stark contrast to her sympathetic edit in *Palau*, led the jury to award the million-dollar prize to Danni Boatwright, leaving Stephenie as the runner-up.
Her third appearance on *Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains* (Season 20) was brief and disappointing. Placed on the Heroes tribe, she was quickly targeted by her tribemates, who viewed her as too aggressive and untrustworthy based on her *Guatemala* performance. She was the second person voted out of the season, finishing in 20th place.
A New Chapter: Snake in the Grass and The Traitors
After a long hiatus, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick made a surprising return to reality TV in 2022 on the USA Network series *Snake in the Grass*. This appearance paved the way for her most recent—and highly publicized—stint on Peacock's hit series, *The Traitors* US Season 2, which aired in early 2024.
Competing alongside other reality TV veterans and celebrities, Stephenie’s *Survivor* background made her a natural suspect in the game of deception. She was ultimately banished from the castle in seventh place, but her presence brought a major boost of star power and competitive fire to the season, showcasing her ability to adapt to a new, high-stakes psychological game hosted by Alan Cumming.
The Controversies: Anti-Vaccine Stance and Public Feuds
In recent years, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick has generated significant media attention and public backlash for her outspoken political and social views, marking a dramatic shift in her public image from a beloved reality TV icon to a controversial social media personality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephenie became a vocal critic of public health measures. She publicly decried masks and vaccines, sharing her anti-vaccine stance on social media platforms.
The controversy escalated into a public feud with fellow *Survivor* alum, Eliza Orlins, who is also an attorney and former public defender. The conflict stemmed from a heated exchange on Instagram, where Stephenie posted a rant that Orlins publicly condemned as containing alleged anti-Semitic tropes. The situation drew sharp criticism from the *Survivor* community and further complicated her relationship with the show's fanbase.
Despite the backlash and her divisive public comments, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick remains a major figure in the reality TV world. Her legacy from *Survivor: Palau* is secure, and her confirmed return for the upcoming *Survivor 50* season suggests that her competitive journey—and her ability to generate headlines—is far from over. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the Ulong legend navigates the challenges and the controversies that define her current career.
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