Who is Eva Erickson?
Eva Erickson was born and raised in St. Paul and Eagan, respectively. She was diagnosed with autism at a very young age. While many families may feel uncertain after receiving an autism diagnosis, Eva’s parents were determined to educate themselves.
They experimented with various therapies such as brushing, spinning, and compression, and dedicated their efforts towards helping Eva identify her talents.
At the tender age of six, she discovered hockey, and it marked a significant turning point in her life. The organized routines of practices, the tightness of the equipment, and the high-speed setting had a therapeutic effect on her.
Hockey evolved into more than just a physical activity for her; it became a cornerstone for her self-assurance and interpersonal development.
Throughout her education at Eagan High School and Georgia Tech, Eva Erickson’s love for hockey remained strong. In fact, she achieved a major milestone by becoming the first and sole female member of the men’s club hockey team at Georgia Tech.
Currently at Brown University, she has gone above and beyond by leading the men’s club team and serving as an NCAA Hockey Linesman in the Hockey East Conference, all while working towards a PhD in Fluid and Thermal Science Engineering.
Survivor Season 48
Eva Erickson excelled both in academics and on the ice, but she also embarked on a completely different venture: participating in Survivor, one of the most challenging reality shows on television. Through this experience, Eva utilised her influence to challenge the societal perception of autism.
“I want to show the world a version of autism they don’t often portray in mainstream media,” she explained. “I hope kids with autism see my story and feel proud.”
Eva has two more years to finish her PhD program. She is determined to finish her studies while also doing things that are new in sports, academia, and other areas.
She also shared a powerful message for the autism community,
“Autism is not something that holds you back—it’s something that makes you different and unique.”
