The upcoming season of “Survivor” will again feature a local Michigan woman among the new castaways.

Rachel LaMont, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Southfield, is set to compete in Season 47 of the hit CBS show, which premieres with a two-hour episode on Sept. 18.

LaMont, originally from Dexter, has been a fan of “Survivor” for the past seven years. She recalls being instantly captivated by the show the first time her husband turned it on.

“I had never seen ‘Survivor’ before, but as soon as we started watching it, I couldn’t stop. I thought, ‘How have I never seen this show?’ I was hooked,” she said.

For LaMont, the road to getting cast on “Survivor” was a long one. She applied for the show every year for the past seven years, but it wasn’t until recently that she came close to landing a spot. She was nearly part of last year’s cast, serving as an alternate during Season 46, but didn’t end up competing.

That was the season where another woman with Michigan roots — Kenzie Petty, originally from Gibraltar — competed and won, taking home the $1 million grand prize.

LaMont now has her chance at an ultimate test of physical and mental stamina as she joins a new group of castaways on the islands of Fiji. As with previous shows, the latest competitors must form a new society and adapt to their physical and social surroundings while contending with unexpected obstacles and navigating an ever-evolving social game. LaMont said she’s ready for the challenge.

“It was always a dream of mine,” LaMont said.

Her preparation for the grueling game ahead was intense. LaMont frequented the gym five days a week, focusing on strength training and increasing her muscle mass.

“I knew I had to be physically prepared. The game is mentally and physically brutal, and I wanted to go in knowing I was in the best shape possible,” she said.

As LaMont geared up for her “Survivor” journey, she focused on building a strong alliance of trustworthy players, a key component in the game’s complex social dynamics. LaMont’s strategic mindset for the game gave her confidence in her ability to play a smart and balanced game. She likens her gameplay approach to the “Goldilocks complex.”

“I think about this Goldilocks complex. You have to be not too smart but not unstrategic, not too physical but not too weak. You have to be just in that middle spot — that is key to winning,” she said.

LaMont’s favorite season of “Survivor” is David vs. Goliath, which she cites as having some of the most memorable gameplay in recent years. “That season had such incredible strategy, and it was inspiring to watch people from all different backgrounds come together and compete,” she said.

She said one of the biggest challenges of participating in “Survivor” is the “digital detox” that comes with being cut off from the outside world.

“They took our phones away even before we got to the island, and adjusting was hard,” she said. “But being disconnected really forces you to be more present in the game. That’s something I’m hoping to take back with me into my daily life — being more in the moment and less attached to technology.”

LaMont’s experience in design also influenced her approach to “Survivor.” As a user interface designer, she focuses on creating seamless, intuitive digital experiences that people don’t even notice.

“When you use an app, you don’t think about every button you press. That’s how I want to play ‘Survivor.’ I want to integrate myself into the game so that people won’t notice me until it’s too late,” she said.

While LaMont is driven by her competitive spirit, she’s also excited about the opportunity to challenge herself, both mentally and physically. “I love people, I love games, and I love pushing myself to new limits. And let’s be honest, I love money,” she said, laughing.

LaMont said she was pretty unfamiliar with the outdoors prior to the show.“I’ve never been a big camper, but after ‘Survivor’ wrapped, I went glamping with some friends, and it gave me a new appreciation for being outdoors,” she said.

After filming wrapped, one of the first things LaMont did upon returning home was indulge in a spicy chicken sandwich — a craving she had throughout her time on the island.

“You hear past contestants talk about food all the time, and now I understand why. When you’re out there surviving, all you can think about is that first meal when you get home,” she said.

To see how LaMont fares, tune in to CBS, starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 for the two-hour premiere of “Survivor.”