Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ has always stood out for its intensity and fun competitions that mirror the original series. In its second season, AJ Sterry may not have seemed like a strong contender at first and many underestimated her quiet presence and calm demeanor. However, as the challenges progressed, AJ began to surprise both contestants and viewers, revealing sharp instincts and a steady head that set her apart. Her ability to adapt and think strategically soon proved that she had much more to offer than anyone initially expected.
AJ Sterry Eliminated Two Contestants in the Circle of Trust
AJ Brunner Sterry showed a sharp understanding of strategy from the start, which helped her glide smoothly through the early rounds of the season. During the marbles game, she faced off against Player 021, Marcus, and used her wits to eliminate him. Moving on to the Slides and Ladders challenge, AJ teamed up with Player 327, Kate, and the two barely made it through as the second-last team to advance. By the time of the Circle of Trust challenge, many contestants were wary of AJ as they felt she kept to herself and was hard to read.
Despite that, she managed to eliminate Players 409 (Claire) and 318 (Christopher) without being detected. AJ admitted that those choices weren’t easy but necessary for survival. In the final round, when she opened her blindfold to find the elimination box before her, she was visibly conflicted. Unsure of who had targeted her, AJ guessed Player 398, Trinity, instead of the real player, 183 (Steven), leading to her elimination from the game.
AJ Sterry is Dedicated to Her Role as a CRNA at the Community Hospital
AJ Sterry has built a meaningful career in the medical and healthcare field, finding fulfillment in work that allows her to make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day. Her academic journey began at the University Center Rochester in Rochester, Minnesota, where she laid the foundation for her medical education. She later pursued Nursing at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, starting in 2004, where she got to learn about patient care and clinical practice. AJ then went on to study at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the most respected medical institutions in the country, where she refined her skills and advanced her knowledge in anesthesia and perioperative care.
Over the years, AJ has specialized as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), a role that requires precision, composure, and deep medical expertise. She currently works at Emplify Health by Gundersen Wabasha Area, formerly known as Gundersen St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Clinics, located in Wabasha, Wisconsin. The facility is known for its patient-centered care and commitment to innovation in rural healthcare. In February 2025, AJ and her team celebrated a major milestone when the surgery department successfully completed its 100th robotic knee replacement operation. AJ expressed her gratitude for being part of such a dedicated team and for the opportunity to serve her community through meaningful, hands-on work. She takes pride in being a CRNA and continues to approach her role with a genuine desire to improve patient outcomes.
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AJ Sterry Makes Sure to Nurture Her Relationships With Her Three Sons Today
AJ Sterry is in a happy and grounded phase of her life, surrounded by the people and things that matter most. She and her husband, Joshua Sterry, have built a loving home where family always comes first. Together, they’ve raised three wonderful sons, Sawyer, Afton, and James, and AJ has always been the kind of mom who shows up for everything. Whether it’s cheering from the bleachers at school games, helping with late-night homework, or organizing family trips, she’s been hands-on through every stage. Now that her boys are growing up, she enjoys having an even closer bond with each of them, and family time remains her favorite part of any week.
For a while, AJ also shared glimpses of her life on social media, posting fun and relatable videos under the name Wisconsin Mommy. Her short clips mixed humor, family life, and little moments from her work as a nurse and gave her followers a peek at both her caring side and her witty personality. Though she eventually stepped away from content creation, those who followed her remember her for it. Beyond her home and career, AJ has always been active in her community. She’s helped organize and contribute to local causes, including fundraisers for the Lund/Pepin First Responders, an initiative that supports emergency service teams in Pepin County, Wisconsin, through equipment drives and local events. Her involvement reflects her genuine desire to give back to the same community that has supported her family for years.
