Stanhope native needs votes to play ‘Survivor’
Nearly every losing contestant in the 15-year history of the CBS reality game show “Survivor” has a story of a “bad beat,” something beyond their control that forced the $1 million prize to escape their grasp.
But Stanhope native Mikayla Wingle may be one of the few to play the game that actually has a strong argument, which is why she has the chance to reenter the game on the next season of “Survivor” if she can win a “Second Chance” fan vote.
Wingle, 25, born and raised in Stanhope and currently living in Miami, is one 16 women currently eligible for 10 spots on the show’s upcoming fall season, “Survivor: Second Chance.”
“I’ve been dying to come back,” Wingle said. “Anyone with a competitive bone in their body wants to play again.”
Wingle was a contestant on the show’s 23rd season, South Pacific, in 2011. She was billed as a lingerie football player and her looks drew the attention and ire of fellow contestant Brandon Hantz, who orchestrated her exit from the game strictly based on her appearance.
“When I watched the show at home and saw what Brandon said about me I was shocked. People just remember me in Brandon’s shadow. Like I was his temptress even though I never asked to be,” Wingle said. “I never had a chance the first time, but I had tricks up my sleeve I wanted to play.”
If she’s successfully voted back onto the show, she’s prepared to play a tougher game.
“I want to build a stronger alliance this time and be more mentally in it. I want to play a better social game and keep my ears open,” Wingle said. “I’m ready to play. Last time I played, I was a victim. This time I play I want my own head count.”
Wingle said she’s older and wiser, has the athleticism to win challenges, and has spent the last four years studying the game.
“Unfortunately I got a little spin my season that I wasn’t prepared for,” Wingle said in a video pitching “Survivor” fans to vote for her. “I did not get to play the way I wanted to. I fell into everybody else’s little plans and they did not fall into mine. This time that’s not happening because I’m coming to win. ”
Wingle is reaching out through her various social media networks to spread the word and get people to vote.
“I’m really hoping I can get my home state of New Jersey to rock the vote,” Wingle said. “I also have a following built now in Miami, from my fitness show, and from when I played in the lingerie football league in Tampa. So it’s many different groups I’m hoping will support me.”
Vote for Wingle at http://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/second-chance/.
People can vote daily until May 20. Following the episode, the Second Chance winners will be announced at the live reunion show in Los Angeles.
“Our bags are packed,” Wingle said. “If we’re voted in we leave right from the reunion show.”
People can follow Wingle on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @iLuvMiki.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com