Former Miss USA Contestant Ashley Underwood Putting Maine Black Bear Basketball Skills to the Test on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’

From pesky guards and bad refs to pageant queens and strict judges, Ashley Underwood has been in some tight spots in her day. However, as the world will soon find out, the former University of Maine basketball star is taking on a completely new challenge in Central America as a contestant on Survivor: Redemption Island, which debuts on CBS next week on Feb. 16.

The 26-year-old Benton, Maine, resident was crowned Miss Maine in 2009, two years after graduating with a nursing degree. She competed in the 2009 Miss USA Competition in Las Vegas, where she failed to finish in the top 15.

Check out her promo video and bio below, from realitytvcalender.com.

Personal Claim to Fame: Spending time abroad in Switzerland, playing basketball professionally and competing in the Miss USA competition.

Inspiration in Life: My Momma. She raised four kids while managing two businesses and has always been the perfect example of the most devoted wife and doting mother.

Hobbies: Basketball/sports, four-wheeling and helping out on the family farm.

Pet Peeves: I have a million pet peeves. A few of them are "know-it-alls," lazy and unmotivated people, slow drivers or movers in general, people that "chomp" when they chew their food, smokers' breath or just smoking period. The list goes on and on!

Three Words to Describe You: Feisty, competitive and athletic.

Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm not like anyone but myself.

Reason for being on Survivor: The million dollars and the chance to prove that I can do this.

Why you think you'll "survive" Survivor: I'm strong, competitive, and athletic and I have the ability to think under pressure.

Reason why you think you will be the sole Survivor: I'm mentally and physically strong enough to do this. I will do whatever it takes to get ahead. I'm a leader, but also able to work well with others if it proves to be to my own advantage. I'm not afraid to be a game changer. Bring it on!