Meet Steve Wright

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Name (Age): Steve Wright (51)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Former NFL Player
Personal Claim to Fame: Making the Dallas Cowboys with two other free agents out of 110 in 1981 and playing for 13 years. I'm also proud of my own start-up company and all it's accomplished.
Inspiration in Life: Regular people who do extraordinary things.
Hobbies: Photography, scuba diving and biking.
Pet Peeves: People who litter and people who don't respect others.
3 Words to Describe You: Honest, sincere and relentless.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Tom Westman - just a pretty normal likeable guy.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To show how team work is done, win a million dollars and help my team the best I can.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: With 13 years experience in the NFL, I have great teamwork. I made sure we all worked together for a winning cause. I have the ability to keep spirits high and keep people's eye on our goal.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm a fighter to the end and will bring anyone along that desires to work. I'll be stronger, fitter and wiser than the others. I've experienced trials others haven't. I've had my will tested and have always rose above all challenges.

Meet Rob Mariano

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Rob Mariano (35)
Current Residence: Pensacola, Fla.
Previous Seasons: "Survivor: Marquesas," "Survivor: All-Stars" and "Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains"

Rob Mariano, more commonly know as "Boston" Rob, returns to SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND with one goal in mind: to win. "It's like I have been climbing this mountain for almost ten years now, and I'm not gonna quit until I get to the top." One of Rob's most defining characteristics is his determination. In 2000, he woke up the day of the Boston Marathon and decided to run it as an unofficial entry with absolutely no training and finished.

After growing up in Boston and graduating from Boston University, Rob met his wife, fellow castaway Amber Brkich, during "Survivor: All-Stars" and proposed to her during the live finale. Rob and Amber are happily married and living in Pensacola, Florida with their two daughters, Lucia Rose and Carina Rose.

Why will SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND be different? "I feel like I have done my best every time I played and I have always done what I said I was gonna do. I mean, I played this game three times. A lot has gone wrong every time. IÂ’m hoping that this time I can make something go right."

Meet Russell Hantz

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Russell Hantz (38)
Current Residence: Dayton, Texas
Previous Seasons: "Survivor: Samoa" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains"

Russell Hantz was a first time castaway only 2 years ago, but has quickly become one of the most notorious villains to every play Survivor. He returns to SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND more prepared than ever before. "I'm ready for this. I'm more ready for this than I ever have been."

As a self-made millionaire who built his business by working hard, speaking his mind and stepping on anyone who got in his way, Russell will do anything to win the game of Survivor. He is known for back-stabbing his allies, lying and cheating, but he is proud of his title as a villain. "The image that I have as a villain, thatÂ’s fine with me because this is how I play the game." Only time will tell if this strategy will pay off or if once again he will come up short.

What does he think of SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND? "It's gonna be history. Survivor history!"

Meet Stephanie Valencia

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Name (Age): Stephanie Valencia (25)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Long Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Waitress
Personal Claim to Fame: Reopening my Mother's dental office.
Inspiration in Life: My Mother. She is the sweetest person. She works hard for her family and still cooks dinner every night.
Hobbies: Watching movies/plays, traveling and reading.
Pet Peeves: People who are late and ignorance.
3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, unconstrained and ambitious.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: If Parvati and Russell had a love child, it would be me.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: First, the money. I need it. Second, to see if I can do it. Third, who in the right mind would decline an offer to play the greatest game EVER.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, fast and smart. I can hold my own and I'm not a quitter.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I feel it in me. By nature, I'm a brat and always get what I want. I've always been myself and that's something I'm very proud of.

Meet Sarita White

Biography:

Name (Age): Sarita White (36)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Visual Effects Producer
Personal Claim to Fame: Getting from point A to B without a dollar in my pocket, only my own ambition to get there.
Inspiration in Life: The art of living, laughing with my friends and family and knowing the best is always yet to come.
Hobbies: Travel, art and lounging around in various stages of repose.
Pet Peeves: Ignorance, pettiness, cheapness, tackiness and lack of chivalry.
3 Words to Describe You: Sagacious, wily and influential.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Some strange combination between Courtney with her awkwardness in challenges and James with his kindness and blind loyalty.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: For the adventure of a lifetime. IÂ’d also like to walk away with cold hard cash.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My earliest memories are of my hippie parents living in the yurt we built from scratch. Our garden, our outdoor shower, ourpretty little outhouse - I know how to live in the most basic way.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I've got a steely grace that has served me well. I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone who could outwit me.

Meet Mike Chiesl

Biography:

Name (Age): Mike Chiesl (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.
Occupation: Former Marine
Personal Claim to Fame: Bringing all my Marines home after my first deployment to Iraq.
Inspiration in Life: My grandfather. He was a B-17 Navigator during World War II and spent two years in a POW Camp.
Hobbies: Scuba-diving, football and golf.
Pet Peeves: Selfishness and laziness.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, disciplined and outgoing/outspoken.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Rudy. Nobody was intimidated by him, so he wasnÂ’t voted out early and he had the ability to tough it out.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Winning the competition and earning the million dollar prize.
Why you think you'll survive SURVIVOR: The mental toughness I've developed from serving in the Marines and playing college football at the US Naval Academy.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I like to think outside of the box, and I am socially aware and strong athletically.

Meet Ralph Kiser

Biography:

Name (Age): Ralph Kiser (44)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.
Occupation: Farmer
Personal Claim to Fame: Being completely debt-free at age 44. No vehicle payments, no mortgage payments, plus I own two homes on the same farm.
Inspiration in Life: I'm inspired by my farm; I've been at it all my life. I'm always amazed at my animals - how they grow and survive. Being able to watch the circle of life go 'round and be a part of it is a very satisfying adventure that I never get tired of.
Hobbies: Hunting, hiking and traveling.
Pet Peeves: People who are lazy and donÂ’t try to make anything of themselves.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, strong-willed and stubborn
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm probably a combo of Big Tom and J.T.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've wanted to be on the show for years and knew one day I'd get my chance. I want to be a hometown hero for the folks back home!
Why you think you'll "Survive" SURVIVOR: I'm an outdoors mountain man. I know plants, trees and what most of their uses are. I can also build anything; start a fire anywhere and make people believe anything I say!

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I will be the king at camp because I can build shelter, cook, find food and be the leader.

Meet Phillip Sheppard

Biography:

Name (Age): Phillip Sheppard (52)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Technology Executive
Personal Claim to Fame: Being a father to my son and being able to take risks in life. I say "yes" when others may say "no."
Inspiration in Life: Medical Professionals - they save lives in real time.
Hobbies: Chess, basketball, skating and sport training with weights.
Pet Peeves: People who think they know everything and yet do nothing and watch others do the work.
3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, articulate and determined.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I am my own man!
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I love the idea of competing and proving I still have what it takes to prevail in new challenges that are completely outside my normal everyday life.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I come from a large family (12 brothers and sisters), and as such I've become a creative problem-solver and good talker in stressful situations where others would give up.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a go-getter. As a former Special Agent with the former Defense Investigation Services, I honed my interview and investigative skills to persevere when others are being evasive or less than forthcoming.

Meet Natalie Tenerelli

Biography:

Name (Age): Natalie Tenerelli (19)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: Acton, Calif.
Occupation: Professional Dancer
Personal Claim to Fame: Being the youngest female to play the game.
Inspiration in Life: Lady Gaga. Haha, just kidding. My parents have worked extremely hard to give me a good life. They have made it possible for me to follow my dreams and never give up in life. I would hope that in the future I could be half as good of a parent myself.
Hobbies: Dancing, spending time with friends and family, and trying to cook...sometimes this ends badly.
Pet Peeves: When people chomp their food.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, spontaneous and positive.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Natalie White from Samoa.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To have an experience of a lifetime and prove to myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I have never quit anything that I have ever done and hopefully my ability to form good relationships with people will help me to "survive" 39 days in this game!
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have the charm to win people over and a good intuition about people and their intentions. People may suspect me to be young and naive, but they will be fooled!

Meet Matt Elrod

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Name (Age): Matt Elrod (22)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Pre-Med Student
Personal Claim to Fame: My decision to lead my own life.
Inspiration in Life: I think that there are so many people worthy of being deemed "a hero" in everyday life that are overlooked. So, I'm going to say people who put others before themselves.
Hobbies: Athletics, reading and exploring.
Pet Peeves: People who act out for attention.
3 Words to Describe You: Mysterious, impulsive and deep.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Any contestant who has played the game with honesty and integrity.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've always wanted to live off the land and I think it would be a fun experience to compete on the show.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I know what it takes to be a winner.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm athletic, amicable and intelligent. I can also hold my own socially.

Meet Kristina Kell

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Name (Age): Kristina Kell (46)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Malibu, Calif.
Occupation: Law Student (University of La Verne College of Law)
Personal Claim to Fame: Understanding and learning how to deal with an autistic child; grasping the Autistic Spectrum and obtaining vigorous early intervention services to improve the quality of my son's life. This experience, and helping other families facing the same crisis, was the catalyst for my legal education.
Inspiration in Life: Probably the men and women of our armed forces - these brave folks sweat, bleed and die for us here at home, and I appreciate them beyond words.
Hobbies: Computers.
Pet Peeves: Whining and people who are cheap.
3 Words to Describe You: Stubborn, logical and fair.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: None.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The money and experience.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm resourceful and tough as nails. If you don't know that lying and manipulation is a part of this game, then you're an idiot.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: There are a lot of amazing things in my life, and they all have started out with the thought, "I'm gonna doÂ…(fill in the blank)." Whether it's making documentaries, opening my business, helping families cope with children on the Autistic Spectrum, going to law school, or winning SURVIVOR, they all start in my head as an idea. I take baby steps, one by one, until finally it's done.

Meet Krista Klumpp

Biography:

Name (Age): Krista Klumpp (25)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Columbia, S.C.
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Rep
Personal Claim to Fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.
Inspiration in Life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.
Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.
Pet Peeves: When people wear sunglasses inside.
3 Words to Describe You: Driven, competitive and approachable.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am very athletic; I can climb trees and I'm great at fishing.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a fierce competitor at everything, but I've always had a way of building trust with people. My image will be completely deceiving and my mental game undetectable.

Meet Francesca Hogi

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Name (Age): Francesca Hogi (36)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Washington, DC
Occupation: Attorney
Personal Claim to Fame: Assembling the most amazing set of friends.
Inspiration in Life: My mom. She's been through so much in her life, starting with picking cotton while growing up in segregated Alabama. She is brilliant, beautiful and an all-around incredible person.
Hobbies: Writing, yoga and watching movies.
Pet Peeves: Self-delusion.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, opinionated and stubborn.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I would most likely be a Cirie/Boston Rob combo.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I'm normally competitive for no good reason - $1 million is a great excuse.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm book-smart, street-smart and can be pretty persuasive when necessary.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I might be the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

Meet Julie Wolfe

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Name (Age): Julie Wolfe (50)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Oceanside, Calif.
Occupation: Firefighter
Personal Claim to Fame: Winning the World Championship Outrigger Canoe Race in 1996 and 1998. The race is 41 miles long from the Island of Molokai to Oahu.
Inspiration in Life: All of the U.S. Soldiers that are away from their families defending our country and our freedom.
Hobbies: Outrigger canoe paddling, stand-up paddling and motherhood.
Pet Peeves: Laziness and bullies.
3 Words to Describe You: Hard-headed, outspoken and spoiled.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ashley from Survivor China. She was a strong outspoken woman whose mouth got her voted off the first episode.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To win a million dollars and make a better life for my daughters. I want to be a role model for my girls to show them they can achieve their goals and dreams.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My experience as a firefighter has made me mentally and physically strong.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm very likeable. I think I can outwit the other contestants to vote off people other than me.

Meet Grant Mattos

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Name (Age): Grant Mattos (29)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Yoga Instructor
Personal Claim to Fame: Playing in the NFL
Inspiration in Life: My wife. With her in my life, I can do anything.
Hobbies: Largemouth bass fishing, surfing and writing.
Pet Peeves: When someone uses the word "like" every other second.
3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, positive and friendly.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It's a huge mental and physical challenge. I want to get to know my true self better.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am physically and mentally strong and consider myself to be a good leader.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have been through a lot and can push myself mentally and physically.

Meet David Murphy

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Name (Age): David Murphy (31)
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Defense Attorney
Personal Claim to Fame: I'm very proud of what I've accomplished professionally. Thus far in my career, I've been able to work on a number of very interesting and challenging cases.
Inspiration in Life: I've actually looked up to a variety of people for different reasons at different points. I've learned a lot of life lessons.
Hobbies: Sports, hanging out with friends and watching TV/movies.
Pet Peeves: I can't stand stupid people. If we could criminalize stupidity, I think the world would be a better place.
3 Words to Describe You: Intelligent, thoughtful and sarcastic.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'd like to think I'd be myself and be original.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This is a once in a lifetime experience.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Nine times out of 10, when I walk into a room, I am the most intelligent person there. I'm here to win. I don't care about screwing someone over. I don't care about deceiving people and I don't care how I'm perceived at the end. I'm not going to have a static approach to this game.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: In my eyes, I'm flawless. A significant part of my job is selling myself - making myself more appealing than my client. I do it because it's fun. I like the challenge. I like having the odds stacked against me and trying to find a way to win. This is a game; I didn't come to get second place.

Meet Ashley Underwood

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Name (Age): Ashley Underwood (25)
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: Benton, Maine
Occupation: Nurse
Personal Claim to Fame: Spending time abroad in Switzerland, playing basketball professionally and competing in the Miss USA competition.
Inspiration in Life: My Momma. She raised four kids while managing two businesses and has always been the perfect example of the most devoted wife and doting mother.
Hobbies: Basketball/sports, four-wheeling and helping out on the family farm.
Pet Peeves: I have a million pet peeves. A few of them are "know-it-alls," lazy and unmotivated people, slow drivers or movers in general, people that "chomp" when they chew their food, smokers' breath or just smoking period. The list goes on and on!
3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, competitive and athletic.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm not like anyone but myself.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The million dollars and the chance to prove that I can do this.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, competitive, and athletic and I have the ability to think under pressure.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm mentally and physically strong enough to do this. I will do whatever it takes to get ahead. I'm a leader, but also able to work well with others if it proves to be to my own advantage. I'm not afraid to be a game changer. Bring it on!

Meet Andrea Boehlke

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Name (Age): Andrea Boehlke (21)
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Random Lake, Wis.
Occupation: Student (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point)
Personal Claim to Fame: Paying for my own college education and making the Dean's list every semester.
Inspiration in Life: My parents are my inspiration because they are hard-working, down-to-earth and both have a great sense of humor.
Hobbies: Sports, theater, horseback riding, hunting and outdoor activities.
Pet Peeves: "Girly-girls" and electric staplers.
3 Words to Describe You: Hard-working, competitive and outgoing.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Perhaps a mixture of J.T. because he is hard-working and has a farm background and Parvati because she's competitive and knows how to have fun, but I'm also very unique.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I crave adventures. I also want to prove how tough I am.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Growing up on a farm and being a member of the 4-H club has made me both outdoorsy and resourceful. I'm also mentally tough and a bit of a social butterfly. I love being challenged and can handle the pressure.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: People will underestimate me based on my looks, but I am tremendously competitive and driven. I'm feisty, brave and can manipulate people while remaining likeable.

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