Suvechha Sarkar
CBS’ ‘Survivor’ has been testing the resilience, strategy, and social game of the contestants like no other show on television. Season 48 introduced several new faces from different walks of life. However, only a few players embodied these qualities, just like Eva Erickson. What began as a light-hearted drinking game with her hockey teammates quickly ignited a passion for her. With her cool, under-pressure gameplay and brilliant strategies, Eva was truly a formidable competitor. Ultimately, all of these factors contributed to leading her all the way to the final five contestants.
Eva Erickson is Seamlessly Balancing Her Academics and Hockey Career
Eva Erickson’s journey has been nothing short of impressive, both in terms of her academics and even on the ice as a hockey player. Her zeal for excellence in academics began early in 2017. While she was still in high school, she enrolled in the University of Minnesota through a dual enrollment program. By 2019, Eva had graduated and set her sights even higher. She joined the Georgia Institute of Technology that August to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics. While most students focus solely on studies, she captured attention by becoming the first and only female player to join the Georgia Tech Men’s hockey team. Eva’s leadership skills also quickly became evident. Hence, from 2021 to 2022, she also served as the Public Relations Officer for the university before graduating in May of the same year.
In September 2023, Eva took another giant leap and joined the prestigious Brown University School of Engineering as a PhD candidate for the same. Despite her rigorous doctoral research, she never quit her passion for hockey. Her journey as a professional hockey player began in September 2014. She earned her Level 4 USA Hockey Officiating Certification and even participated in several major tournaments. These include the USAH 2024 Boys and Girls High School National Tournament and the USAH 2023 Tier II Girls U14, U16, U19 National Tournament. Eva’s on-ice experience also includes playing in the ACHA 2023 Girls National Tournament.
In May 2020, Eva commenced working as an Engineering Intern at Baxter International Inc., a role she held until August 2021. Before this, she had already taken on the position of a part-time Research Assistant at the complex Rheology and Biomechanics lab at Georgia Tech in August 2019. In May 2o22, she also became a Research and Development Intern at 3M. However, Eva moved on from both of these positions in August 2022. In September 2023, she proudly stepped into the role of DIII Hockey Official for the NCAA. The reality star is also an NCAA DI Hockey East Official for the Hockey East Association since October 2024.
Eva Uses Her Prominent Social Media Presence to Promote Autism Awareness
Although Eva first captured national attention on the show, her impact has reached far beyond the beaches of Fiji. With over 99K followers on Instagram, she has turned the social media platform into a powerful tool for advocacy and community support. She was diagnosed with Autism when she was just one year old. Eva has long embraced her identity with pride. Presently, she uses her voice to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, creating thoughtful and informative content that helps understand the condition better. Her content also actively fights the stereotypes around it. Eva was the first and only openly autistic contestant on ‘Survivor.’ She further maintains a strong connection with fans through her Cameo profile, offering personalized messages and directly engaging with her supporters.
In February 2025, Eva took her advocacy to the next level when she took to Instagram to share an announcement. She declared that she had designed a limited edition line of Fiji Hockey Club merchandise to commemorate her unforgettable journey on the show. She partnered up with the Minnesota Special Hockey League with a purpose. She proudly showcases these items through her Instagram, which includes a cap, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. For every item that is sold from the collection, Eva decided to donate five dollars to the Minnesota Special Hockey organization. They mainly help individuals with Autism to play hockey in an environment where they can flourish. Through her Instagram, the reality star also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her show’s experience, reflecting on her gameplay.
Eva Erickson Finds Her Strength in the Support of Her Parents and Boyfriend
Beyond her professional life, Eva’s world is deeply rooted in love, loyalty, and the people who have always stood by her side. For her, success was not easy to achieve. However, it was made possible by the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a child, Eva’s journey could have been easily limited by low expectations. However, her parents never allowed the fear to take over and always provided her with encouragement. It is pretty evident from her academic success and athletic breakthrough. Another constant source of strength and joy is her boyfriend, Paul Molnar, who holds a special place in her heart.
In September 2023, Eva and Paul jetted off to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where they soaked in the natural beauty and each other’s company. Whether it’s cozying up by a bonfire or playing hockey together, their connection is something that she always treasures. On his birthday, Eva wrote a sweet and humorous message for Paul that melted hearts: “Happy birthday to the boy I’d massacre hundreds of beavers for.” Her teammates, both from the past and the present, are also a huge part of her life. She constantly shows appreciation for them, whether it be through shout-outs, casual hangouts, or even fun-filled weekends. From beach trips to lakeside retreats, her hockey family has become one of the strongest pillars in her life. Eva even stays in close touch with her high school teammates and often reunites with them to relive old memories.
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