What Happened to Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick?
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick is an American reality television personality best known for her multiple appearances on the reality competition series *Survivor*. After becoming a fan favorite and a runner-up, she took a hiatus from television to focus on her family with former MLB pitcher Kyle Kendrick. She returned to reality TV in 2022 and 2023, and is currently competing on *Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans* in 2026.
Quick Answer
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, a four-time *Survivor* contestant, rose to fame as a resilient player on *Survivor: Palau* and finished as the runner-up on *Survivor: Guatemala*. After marrying former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick in 2010 and raising three children, she stepped away from reality TV for over a decade. She made her return in 2022 on *Snake in the Grass* and in 2023 on *The Traitors*, and is currently competing on *Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans*, which premiered in February 2026.
đKey Facts
đ Complete Timeline17 events
Born
Stephenie LaGrossa was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Debuts on Survivor: Palau
LaGrossa first appeared on *Survivor: Palau*, becoming a fan favorite for her resilience as the last member of the Ulong tribe. She finished in 7th place.
Runner-up on Survivor: Guatemala
Due to her popularity, she returned for *Survivor: Guatemala* and made it to the Final Tribal Council, finishing as the runner-up.
Marries Michael Ward
Stephenie married Michael Ward, though their marriage ended after one year.
Co-owns GIGI Restaurant & Lounge
After her first marriage, LaGrossa became a co-owner of GIGI Restaurant & Lounge in Philadelphia.
Engaged to Kyle Kendrick
LaGrossa became engaged to Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick after a year of dating.
Competes on Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains
She returned for her third *Survivor* season, *Heroes vs. Villains*, where she placed 19th.
Marries Kyle Kendrick
Stephenie married Kyle Kendrick in Napa County, California, beginning a hiatus from reality TV to support his career and raise a family.
First child, Sophia Marguerite, is born
Stephenie and Kyle welcome their first daughter, Sophia Marguerite.
Second child, Kyle Jr., is born
Their son, Kyle Jr., is born, expanding their family.
Kyle Kendrick retires from MLB
Kyle Kendrick retires from Major League Baseball, opening the door for Stephenie's potential return to television.
Third child, Sloane Danielle, is born
Their third child, daughter Sloane Danielle, is born.
Appears on Snake in the Grass
After a 12-year hiatus, LaGrossa Kendrick returns to reality TV on *Snake in the Grass*.
Competes on The Traitors Season 1
She participates in the inaugural season of *The Traitors*, finishing in seventh place.
Apologizes for antisemitic remarks
LaGrossa Kendrick issues an apology for controversial remarks made in an Instagram video directed at fellow *Survivor* contestant Eliza Orlins.
Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans Premieres
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick returns for her fourth *Survivor* appearance on the milestone 50th season.
Wins Reward Challenge on Survivor 50
On Day 12 of *Survivor 50*, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick wins a reward challenge, earning a full-course meal for her group.
đDeep Dive Analysis
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick (nÊe LaGrossa), born on December 6, 1979, first captivated audiences on Survivor: Palau in 2005, where her unwavering resilience as the last remaining member of the Ulong tribe made her a significant fan favorite. Her popularity led to an immediate return for Survivor: Guatemala later that year, where she reached the Final Tribal Council and finished as the runner-up. Her third appearance on Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains in 2010 saw an earlier exit, placing 19th.
Following her Heroes vs. Villains appearance, LaGrossa Kendrick took a substantial hiatus from reality television. This period was largely dedicated to her personal life and family. In 2010, she married former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick, with whom she has three children: Sophia Marguerite (born 2011), Kyle Jr. (born 2013), and Sloane Danielle (born 2018). She openly stated that she prioritized supporting her husband's baseball career, which involved frequent travel and managing their family life. During this time, she also co-owned a restaurant, GIGI Restaurant & Lounge, which she later sold due to the demands of her husband's career.
The turning point for her return to the spotlight came after Kyle Kendrick's retirement from professional baseball in 2017. With her husband able to take on more responsibilities at home, LaGrossa Kendrick began exploring new opportunities. She re-entered the reality TV landscape in 2022, appearing on Snake in the Grass, and then in 2023, she competed on the first season of The Traitors, finishing in seventh place. These experiences reignited her competitive spirit and confidence, paving the way for a highly anticipated return to her original reality competition.
Her journey back to Survivor for its milestone 50th season, Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, which premiered on February 25, 2026, has been a significant development. LaGrossa Kendrick, now 46, expressed her motivation for returning as a desire to show her children what their mother is capable of and to honor the memory of her late brothers. She has also spoken candidly about past injuries and surgeries, acknowledging the physical demands of the game at her current age.
However, her recent public activity has not been without controversy. In August 2025, LaGrossa Kendrick issued an apology for antisemitic remarks she made in a since-deleted Instagram video, directed at fellow Survivor contestant Eliza Orlins, following Orlins' criticism of LaGrossa Kendrick's political views. As of April 9, 2026, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick is actively competing on Survivor 50, having recently won a reward challenge on Day 12 of the season.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick made different choices?