Costa Mesa Woman Joins Survivor Cast: Island Of Idols Season 39

COSTA MESA, CA —In September, Survivor returns to our living rooms on the Island of Idols. A Costa Mesa athlete, who studied at Harvard University, will see if she's savvy enough to earn the title of Sole Survivor.

"My pain tolerance is high, and I love to make difficult things fun. With a pinch of luck and a good 'meat shield,' I'll win," Kellee Kim said of her chances.

Kim grew up in Costa Mesa and currently resides in Philadelphia where she is an MBA student.

Survivor is as much a social as it is a physical game. This season, cast members attempt to outwit, outlast and outplay one another while stranded on the Island of Idols.

Kim likens her game to that of Kelly Wentworth, who was back in Season 38.

"She's athletic and gets along with people," Kim said. "And we almost have the same name." Just don't try to talk with her while she's sleeping.

"My biggest pet peeve is people who wake me up or try talking with me why I'm falling asleep." As Survivor is not known as a game where players get proper rest, this should be an interesting test for Kim to pass. Still, she's an excellent student, having attended Harvard University in Boston.

Kim is self-described as fun, energetic, and driven, and she is a skilled soccer player, having played on Harvard University's Varsity soccer team.

"It was a long passion and journey, and it was a huge accomplishment to be able to play soccer in college," she said.

Her biggest inspiration is her sister, so if Kim makes it to the family round, perhaps she will make an appearance.

Look for some familiar faces this season in some non-traditional roles. Two legendary winners, "Boston" Rob Mariano and Sandra Diaz-Twine, return to the game not to compete, but to serve as mentors to the group of 20 new players.

Combined, Boston Rob and Sandra have played over 200 days in this game.

During the 39 days, these new players will visit the Island of the Idols and learn skills and strategy from these "idols."

Don't miss the 90-minute season premiere of Survivor: Island of the Idols on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8/7c on CBS.

The following are the 20 castaways competing this fall.

“LAIRO” TRIBE
Ronnie Bardah (35)
Hometown: Brockton, Mass.
Current Residence: Henderson, Nev.
Occupation: Pro Poker Player

Elizabeth Beisel (26)
Hometown: Saunderstown, R.I.
Current Residence: Saunderstown, R.I.
Occupation: Olympic Medalist

Missy Byrd (24)
Hometown: Decatur, Ga.
Current Residence: Tacoma, Wash.
Occupation: Air Force Veteran

Dean Kowalski (28)
Hometown: Westfield, N. J.
Current Residence: New York, N.Y.
Occupation: Tech Sales

Tom Laidlaw (60)
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Current Residence: Greenwich, Conn.
Occupation: Former NHL Player

Aaron Meredith (36)
Hometown: Uncasville, Conn.
Current Residence: Warwick, R.I.
Occupation: Gym Owner

Vince Moua (27)
Hometown: Merced, Calif.
Current Residence: Palo Alto, Calif.
Occupation: Admissions Counselor

Karishma Patel (37)
Hometown: Philadelphia
Current Residence: Houston
Occupation: Personal Injury Lawyer

Elaine Stott (41)
Hometown: Woodbine, Ky.
Current Residence: Rockholds, Ky.
Occupation: Factory Worker

Chelsea Walker (26)
Hometown: Marlton, N.J.
Current Residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: Digital Content Creator

“VOKAI” TRIBE

Lauren Beck (28)
Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif. and Rochester Hills, Mich.
Current Residence: Glendale, Calif.
Occupation: Nanny

Molly Byman (27)
Hometown: Boston
Current Residence: Durham, N.C.
Occupation: Law Student

Janet Carbin (59)
Hometown: Neptune, N.J.
Current Residence: Palm Bay, Fla.
Occupation: Chief Lifeguard

Kellee Kim (29)
Hometown: Costa Mesa, Calif.
Current Residence: Philadelphia
Occupation: MBA Student

Jason Linden (32)
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Current Residence: New York, N.Y.
Occupation: Personal Injury Lawyer

Jack Nichting (23)
Hometown: Newport News, Va.
Current Residence: Harrisonburg, Va.
Occupation: Graduate Student

Noura Salman (36)
Hometown: London, UK / Bethesda, Md.
Current Residence: North Potomac, Md.
Occupation: Entrepreneur

Tommy Sheehan (26)
Hometown: Bayville, N.Y.
Current Residence: Long Beach, N.Y.
Occupation: 4th Grade Teacher

Jamal Shipman (33)
Hometown: Jersey City, N.J.
Current Residence: Providence, R.I.
Occupation: College Administrator

Dan Spilo (48)
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Current Residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: Talent Manager