Wisconsin native Carmen Kocourek is a contestant on season 5 of 'Love Island USA' in summer 2023
Christopher KuhagenA Wisconsin woman is looking for love this summer on "Love Island USA" and she'll "step on toes" if anyone gets in her way.
And so far, Carmen Kocourek, a 2019 Franklin High School graduate, has caught the eye of several “islanders” on the popular reality TV show, which streams on Peacock. Kocourek is part of the series’ fifth season that began July 18.
In a dating show that will surely offer plenty of drama, twists and tests to relationships, Kocourek seeks to find her match throughout the season inside the gorgeous villa in picturesque Fiji.
In the end, the winning couple in the finale, based on a fan vote after six weeks, wins the $100,000 prize and potentially so much more: love.
Here's what you should know about Kocourek, the latest Wisconsinite to appear on a reality TV show, and how you can watch her on "Love Island USA."
Where is Carmen from 'Love Island' from?
She's a 22-year-old from Franklin, Wisconsin. Kocourek now lives in Arizona.
She studied marketing and had a minor in fashion, she told one of her fellow contestants in the third episode that aired Thursday.
Kocourek is a part-time model and bartender in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Carmen on 'Love Island' came into the show as one of the "bombshells"
She was revealed to the audience and fellow contestants in Episode 2 as one of the surprise "bombshells."
There were 10 original singles in the villa during the premiere, but throughout the season, there will be more competitors who will challenge the couples, while others depart from the villa.
Carmen builds bonds over family on 'Love Island'
Kocourek has already made a strong impression during her first few days on the show. Her connection with her family has been an appeal to other contestants.
"I'm so close with my family," she told 21-year-old Leonardo Dionicio on their one-on-one date in the second episode. "I'm definitely a daddy's girl. I love my dad so much. Daddy's girl at heart, for sure."
Her dad, Matt Kocourek, was a competitive race car driver for years, challenging some of the best ever at courses all over the state and region.
In the third episode, she again bonded over family with 23-year-old Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen, who shared his story with her of losing his mom at an early age.
"My parents are so in love with each other," Kocourek told Bergersen.
"They found their person and they've been doing it for 20-plus years and they're like still just as in love and happy with each other. It's also taught me I won't settle for anything less than that."
Carmen on 'Love Island' says don't judge someone just by their looks
In talks with 28-year-old Victor Gonzalez, who she chose to "steal" as her partner in forming a new couple at the end of the third episode, she told him that there's a lot more to her than what someone may see on the outside.
"I'm a big like nerd on the inside, for sure," Kocourek said. "People are always caught off-guard when I sit and talk about comic books for hours or 'The Hobbit.'" People just don't think I like those things."
At the end of the most recent episode Sunday, Gonzalez chose her as his partner in a recoupling twist.
What is Carmen looking for on 'Love Island'?
"I want a serious boyfriend," Kocourek told Bergersen during one of their conversations.
She described herself as an "extroverted introvert" who loves staying home and watching movies but also traveling and clubbing.
Kocourek wants to find someone who does all those things with her but also who has their own hobbies.
"I want someone that can fit into my lifestyle and I can fit into theirs," Kocourek said.
While she said in her opener, as she was being introduced to the audience, that she's "here to turn heads, get my man and step on toes if I need to," she's shown to be someone who'll take a wait-and-see approach to relationships and described herself as being "very picky."
Carmen praised for confidence, says acts of service impress her
Harrison Luna, a new entry in the fourth episode to shake up the villa, said Kocourek's "confidence comes through" when talking with her.
She had a funny comment when talking to him in Sunday's episode. Kocourek may be a bartender, but she told Luna if they ever party together, he shouldn't expect her to be an early riser the next day.
"I'm like a 75-year-old," Kocourek said. "The hangovers take me like (until) 5 in the afternoon to get out of bed."
And how can you impress her?
"Physical touch is not my love language," she said. "Mine is maybe like acts of service. I love coffee, if someone brings me a cup of coffee, you know what I mean."
How can I watch 'Love Island'? What is show’s schedule?
Peacock will drop new episodes nightly at 8 p.m. Central six days a week with the exception of Wednesdays. Saturday’s episodes feature unseen content from the week.
Monthly subscriptions begin at $5.99 for the Premium plan and $11.99 a month for the commercial-free Peacock Premium Plus.