Survivor: South Pacific

Name (Age): Albert Destrade (26)
Tribe designation: Upolu­
Current residence: Plantation, Fla
Occupation: Baseball/Dating Coach­­­­
­­Personal claim to fame: I hit my first college home run off of a guy that was a 1st round ­d­raft pick.­
Inspiration in life: I'm going to go with the lead character from the movie "Bull Durham." Kevin Costner's "Crash Davis" exemplifies a lot of attributes I can relate to. He is a hero of mine because of how he goes about his business as a ballplayer. He's a life-grinder. Plus, he's colorful and full of wisdom.
Hobbies: Poker, writing and exercise.
Pet peeves: I have little to no patience for ignorance. People who are uninformed about something, yet insist to be opinionated about it, really irritate me. I also get bothered by mentally weak people.
3 words to describe you: Versatile, dynamic and resourceful.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I really like how J.T. managed to forge himself as a leader on Season 18 without being overbearing or bossy whatsoever. He commanded respect and led by example.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I have a legitimate chance to win one million dollars. Also, I can prove to myself that I can beat all in a game of strength, strategy and will.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I was a Division I college athlete as recently as four years ago. I am a tough guy to beat in challenges. I’m a team player and I don’t have a problem contributing to any construction, hunting, fishing or gathering.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I know that I possess a unique combination of attributes that would make me a favorite in this game. I’m athletic and very socially adept. I’m calculated and self-aware. Ultimately, if you combine my awareness, physical strength and social calibration, I bring a lot to the table.

Name (Age): Brandon Hantz (19)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Katy, Texas
Occupation: Oil Tanker Crewman
Personal claim to fame: My little boy, Elijah.
Inspiration in life: Jesus, because he died for me.
Hobbies: Shooting my guns, hunting and eating crawfish.
Pet peeves: When I order some food and it’s not the way I want it or they forget my hot sauce.
3 words to describe you: Headstrong, bold and clever.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Probably Colby, Johnny Fairplay, Russell and Brandon.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Financial freedom and to show everyone there is more than one side to the Hantz family other than being mean.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m very strong and I can hunt. I like fishing and swimming and I can build.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m very handsome, smart, cunning, manipulative and funny.

Name (Age): Christine Shields Markoski (39)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Merrick, N.Y.
Occupation: Teacher
Personal claim to fame: All the goals I have set for myself, I’ve accomplished.
Inspiration in life: Emilio Zapata, a Mexican revolutionary who fought for what was right and fair for the people of his country. Also, my father, Vincent Shields. He is another benevolent leader, who always treats people fairly, never judges others and is a great teacher of everything logical. And of course, my mother. She taught me how to be soft, colorful and strong.
Hobbies: Traveling, reading and exercising.
Pet peeves: When people don’t wait their turn, when people don’t peel the price sticker off the bottom of their shoes and drivers who are stupid and inconsiderate.
3 words to describe you: Helpful, stubborn and self-motivating.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Stephenie, because she’s strong and outspoken.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This is another goal for me to meet and prove to myself that I can do it. Also, my brother-in-law would love to say that his sister-in-law is on “Survivor.”
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m good with directions, instructions and putting things together, with only using materials at hand. I’m an expert at building fires and a born leader.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: First and foremost, I won’t quit. As with anything I do, I’ll give it my all and I really need the money.

Name (Age): Edna Ma (35)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Los Angeles­
Occupation: Anesthesiologist
Personal claim to fame: I was the first in my family to finish college. I subsequently went onto complete medical school and am board certified in anesthesiology.
Inspiration in life: Oprah. She overcame poverty, abuse and numerous other challenges/adversities to become one of the most influential women in the world.
Hobbies: Traveling, learning new things and going to new restaurants.
Pet peeves: Idleness, liars and deception.
3 words to describe you: Self-starter, adventurous and ambitious.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Mick Trimming for his diplomacy.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I want the experience!
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m a critical thinker and I’m good at tasks and building a team.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m determined and I believe I can achieve anything I set my sights on.

Name (Age): Mikayla Wingle (22)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Tampa, Fla.­­
Occupation: Lingerie Football Player
Personal claim to fame: I was on the cover of Playboy February 2011 and met the hard working Hugh Hefner.
Inspiration in life: My mother is my inspiration. She is a strong, independent woman who always taught me to reach for my goals in life. She raised my brother and me as a single mother and we never felt we were without anything we wanted. I can only hope to be half the mother she is.
Hobbies: I like going to Broadway plays, riding quads, camping and going to the beach. Growing up in Northern New Jersey gave me the love of being outdoors.
Pet peeves: Dishonest people, liars and people who think they are better than everyone else.
3 words to describe you: Outspoken, humorous and witty.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Jane. She stands up for herself and never lets her morals go. She is a hard worker and loves her dogs just like I love my pup, Diesel.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It is my mom’s favorite show and we have been watching since I was 10 years old. She told me that if I ever got the opportunity to be on it we would jump at the chance!
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I feel that I am a strong independent woman and I know I will strive to prevail. Quitters never win and winners never quit.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: Playing sports all my life, I feel I am a competitor at heart. I am very athletic and am very likeable. I plan to use these qualities to get me to the end!

Name (Age): Rick Nelson (51)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Aurora, Utah
Occupation: Rancher
Personal claim to fame: My family and my ranch.
Inspiration in life: My grandfather. He built a very large ranch with his own determination and sheer willpower.
Hobbies: Team sorting, hunting, riding and playing on my horse.
Pet peeves: Quitters and lazy people who don’t keep their word.
3 words to describe you: Outgoing, strong-willed and self-motivated.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: J.T. He played a great game and won. He is country, strong-willed, a great competitor, good to get along with, not a quitter and true to his word in the end. I’d like to think if you put 15 years on him, he would mirror me - except I’m better.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to prove that you can survive with next to nothing for 39 days and be one of 23 people in the world to be named “Sole Survivor.” (And a million dollars would be nice).
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m used to living out in the elements on a daily basis. I’m a hard worker. I can build a fire, shelter and I can hunt and fish. I’m easy to get along with, always have a positive attitude and a lifetime of little tricks to make life nicer while camping in the dirt.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: After applying 14 times, I am driven and very determined to win the game. I will stop at nothing!

Name (Age): Sophie Clarke (22)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Willsboro, N.Y.
Occupation: Medical Student
Personal claim to fame: I won Prom Princess at my small rural high school where my graduation class was 28 students.
Inspiration in life: I am skeptical of lionization of any one person. I do admire, however, Albert Schweitzer. He came from a well-off family and yet chose something much less grand with his life than he could have. True humanitarian. True passion. True dedication.
Hobbies: Cooking, scrabble and reading.
Pet peeves: Smart women who pretend to be dumb, particularly if they wear a lot of eye makeup, and people who walk slowly in cold weather.
3 words to describe you: Purposeful, resilient and shrewd.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I relate to Russell’s determination to win at any cost, Stephen’s intelligence, Stephenie’s competitiveness and Susan’s trueness to character.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To win money! I have been bragging to friends for way too long about how easy “Survivor” is and how good I would be. I would like to have the freedom in Med. School to choose my specialty based on passion and not money and the potential to more quickly pay my debts.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I am strong and athletic (play soccer, softball and basketball) and I am an extremely good skier. I am “Outdoor Emergency Care” certified and can thus deal with unexpected and extreme situations with a calm approach. I am a leader and always ready and eager to step up!
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am tough, smart and driven. People will trust and like me even though they should not. I will piss people off, yet be convincing and heartfelt enough at the end to make them give me the money. I will mess with their minds and beat their bodies! I think it might actually be easy.

Name (Age): Stacey Powell (44)
Tribe designation: Upolu
Current residence: Grand Prairie, Texas
Occupation: Mortician
Personal claim to fame: Going to school and being a single parent. None of my children were ever in trouble with the law.
Inspiration in life: Martin Luther King, Jr. He wanted equality for all people.
Hobbies: Reading, outdoor grilling and dancing.
Pet peeves: Gum-popping.
3 words to describe you: Determined, fun and versatile.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Vecepia Towery from Season 4. At Day 38, when Vecepia and Neleh were talking, she said to Neleh, “And Christ said while he was hanging on the cross, ‘It is finished,’ it is almost done.”
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To challenge myself and to bring the money home.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m a team player with leadership qualities. I’m a time-manager and a go-getter.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m not a quitter. When it comes down to me and my family, that gives me the drive to keep going on.

Name (Age): Dawn Meehan (41)
Tribe designation: Savaii
Current residence: South Jordan, Utah
Occupation: English Professor at Brigham Young University
Personal claim to fame: Adopting our six children.
Inspiration in life: My husband. He’s really one of the most incredible human beings. He’s kind, generous, peaceful, hard-working and selfless. I’m so grateful to spend my days with him.
Hobbies: Swimming with my kids, writing/blogging and baking bread.
Pet peeves: Brown grass and complainers.
3 words to describe you: Driven, positive and enthusiastic.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Sandra, Parvati and Stephenie. I’m physically strong like Parvati and Stephenie. I’m in this to really play and win -- like these women.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: “Survivor” is the best game on Earth! There’s so much application to “real life.” After watching as a fan for 10 years, I just know in my soul that it’s my turn to play and win. Plus, it’s the adventure of a lifetime and one million dollars!
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m driven, tenacious, adaptable, funny, optimistic, intelligent and resilient. I can motivate/persuade people, and I think that’s powerful/important at every stage of this game.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’ve got the drive and determination to dominate this game. And, as cliché as it sounds, I’m really “in it to win it.”

Name (Age): Elyse Umemoto (27)
Tribe Designation: Savaii
Current Residence: Las Vegas
Occupation: Dance Team Manager­
Personal claim to fame: I was the second runner-up to Miss America and I raised my three younger sisters.
Inspiration in life: My Grandma, Viola. God rest her beautiful soul. She taught me three of the most important things I’ll ever learn: how to read, how to pray and how to appreciate music.
Hobbies: Baking cupcakes, amassing useless trivia and quotes and reading memoirs.
Pet peeves: Professional athletes with bad attitudes, wet laundry that doesn’t get moved to the dryer immediately, pretty girls wearing ugly shoes and people who drink decaf.
3 words to describe you: Enchanting, indomitable and spunky!
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Brenda from Nicaragua and Parvati. They know what they want and how to get it. They truly understand the social game.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I thrive on challenge and the rush of competition. I always push the envelope and my limits. There’s no better avenue to do this than “Survivor.”
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m engaging, personable and a master at reading people. I’m controversial in many ways and I embrace that I’m a “character.” I’m naturally athletic and can seamlessly blend into a group. I radiate confidence and always compete to win.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: It’s not just my character traits that make me a winner. It’s literally in my blood to survive. My Japanese grandfather spent his childhood in an internment camp. My German grandmother’s family has strong, long-standing ties with the government and fled immediately before the war. My Native American grandfather was the son of a deaf mute who learned English as a second language on the reservation by age 9. I have a passion for competition and I am the product of generations of TRUE survivors- their strength and resilience are a natural part of who I am.

Name (Age): Jim Rice (35)
Tribe Designation: Savaii
Current Residence: Denver
Occupation: Medical Marijuana Dispenser
Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve worked on Wall Street, won over 40 poker tournaments, started several successful businesses and earned my MBA at a top five school from the University of Michigan.
Inspiration in Life: My dad. The guy rocks and is responsible for who I am.
Hobbies: Playing guitar, playing poker and anything outdoors.
Pet Peeves: Close-mindedness and disingenuous people.
3 Words to Describe You: Ambitious, magnanimous and competitive.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ethan. The dude dominated so much and was such a good guy that they practically gave him the one million.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Life experience and excitement.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I am the most unique person to ever apply!
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: No one with my combination of character, intelligence, cunning and athleticism has ever been on Survivor.

Name (Age): John Cochran (24)
Tribe designation: Savaii
Current residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Harvard Law Student
Personal claim to fame: I won the Dean’s Scholar Prize at Harvard Law for an essay I wrote on the “Survivor” jury system. It was one of the few times in my life where my personal interests and academic obligations coincided perfectly.
Inspiration in life: My family.
Hobbies: Guitar, trivia and studying the music and history of The Beatles.
Pet peeves: People who think or act like they are smarter than they actually are and people who don’t have a sense of humor.
3 words to describe you: Neurotic, insecure and brilliant.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I have some of the humor of Rob Cesternino, the candor of Jonathan Penner and the intelligence of Yul Kwon.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: My respect and admiration for “Survivor” and my desire to make it even better. My secondary motivation is to experience some adventure and excitement in my life during a time when I otherwise feel like I’m on autopilot.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I have a strong sense of humor that can defuse tense situations and an ability to listen to conflicting viewpoints and devise a rational compromise that is satisfying to all parties involved. I also have a slender frame that doesn’t take up much space in a crowded shelter.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I understand other people and how they function. Sure, I’m bright and have an extensive knowledge of “Survivor,” but none of that does any good unless you’re able to figure out the reasons why other people do the things they do. Not only can I do that, but I’m also confident that I can leverage their desires and motives in a way that best serves my game.

Name (Age): Keith Tollefson (26)
Tribe designation: Savaii
Current residence: Edina, Minn.
Occupation: Water Treatment Tech
Personal claim to fame: I graduated college and moved to Hawaii for two years because that was my dream.
Inspiration in Life: My mom. She raised me and my sister with little help and eventually bought a house for us after saving for years. She taught me how to be a gentleman even while I was causing trouble when I was young. She instilled great morals, values and love for all those around me.
Hobbies: Surfing, swimming and long-boarding.
Pet peeves: I really dislike people talking behind my back, especially when it’s not true, and rude people.
3 Words to describe you: Fun, adventurous and driven.
SURVIVOR Contestant you are most like: Boston Rob because he’s memorable and played one of the best psychological games.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I want to challenge myself, learn what limits I can reach and break them. Not only to survive, but win, so I’m number one.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I have strength, intelligence and am EMT certified. I have the ability to manage high stress situations and still have a positive attitude. I am also willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I can make people understand, or think my decisions are looking out for them. I never quit. I wouldn’t go on the show if I didn’t feel I could win!

Name (Age): Mark Caruso (48)
Tribe designation: Savaii
Current residence: Forest Hills, N.Y.­
Occupation: Retired NYPD Detective
Personal claim to fame: I was a NYCPD Morgue Detective for 20 years and I retired with honors from the mayor and police commissioner.
Inspiration in life: My deceased Aunt Mary, who brought us to her home, raised us and gave us a great life.
Hobbies: Gym and all that goes with it, spending as much time in the sun as I can and meeting new people/making new friends.
Pet peeves: Know-it-alls and people with “I am better than you” attitudes.
3 words to describe you: Funny, sarcastic and lovable.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I haven’t seen anyone like me.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I want to experience being stripped of life's luxuries that we all take for granted and survive with the bare essentials.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I am attentive and caring and have listening skills that can be supportive to my team and others. I love to work hard and have proven throughout my life that I will be a leader.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: People tend to like me because I am an honest person even though I am sarcastic and an “in your face” man. I am considered a real person heart, mind and soul.

Name (Age): Semhar Tadesse (24)
Tribe designation: Savaii
Current residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: Spoken Word Artist
Personal claim to fame: My poetry on YouTube.
Inspiration in life: Oprah because she is inspirational and loving. She makes a positive contribution to so many lives. She is a successful business woman and a world wide teacher.
Hobbies: Writing/performing poetry, dancing and watching Oprah.
Pet peeves: Liars.
3 words to describe you: Silly, flirty and sensitive.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Fabio, because he was silly and underestimated.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: For the money, change and challenges.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m a people person. I can make friends with almost anyone. I would bring laughter, positivity and my knowledge and experiences from living in Eritrea.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I think I'll win Survivor because I'm the girl that no one would expect to. I’m slick and sweet.

Name (Age): Whitney Duncan (27)
Tribe designation: Savaii
Current residence: Nashville, Tenn.­
Occupation: Country Music Singer­­
Personal claim to fame: My first record "Right Road Now" was released on Wa­rner Brothers in 2010. It's definitely my biggest achievement to date.
Inspiration in life: Jesus and Elvis because they both inspired me in such different ways. Elvis is the reas­on I started singing and performing. And, Jesus saved me.
Hobbies: Reading, hiking and kayaking.
Pet peeves: Slow drivers and people who talk down to me.
3 words to describe you: Outgoing, happy and honest.
SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: Stephenie from Palau because she’s smart and a bad-ass.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It’s the adventure of a lifetime, and I want to prove to everyone and myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Plus, I could use a million dollars.
Why you think you’ll “survive” SURVIVOR: I’m smart, physically fit and not afraid of anything.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I’m extremely competitive and love to win. People normally like me, and I feel like I can read them well.

Benjamin "Coach" Wade (39)
Current Residence: Susanville, Calif.
Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Tocantins” and “Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains”

Oscar “Ozzy” Lusth (30)
Current Residence: Venice, Calif.
Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Cook Islands” and “Survivor: Micronesia”