March 16, 2009

BERKELEY - Junior utility Camille Hewko is a key member of the California women's water polo team as she leads the Golden Bears in drawn penalties and ejections for the third straight year. Over the weekend, which saw Cal win five straight games, Hewko had four goals as well as several key ejections and five-meter penalty shots earned. With multiple immediate and extended family members who also play or have played collegiate water polo, Hewko comes from a self-described "water" family. CalBears.com spoke with Hewko to discover more about her personality.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?
CH: Fruit. I am a fruit-aholic. Papayas, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, pineapples, peaches, etc...I am grateful for all, not solely for their incomparable taste, but their natural beauty and vibrant color palette.

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?
CH: I admire people who are compassionate: people who understand without judging and practice kindness to all.

CalBears.com: If I were to give you a million dollars right now, what would you do with it?
CH: I would give some to my family and friends. Then I would travel the world. Once I no longer felt like traveling, I would buy a beach front house (location undecided) in front of an unbelievable point break. After that, I don't need any more money.

CalBears.com: What three words describe you best?
CH: Adventurous, chiller, laugher.

CalBears.com: Of what are you most proud?
CH: I am most proud of my brothers and sister. I am proud how we have uniquely and successfully branched off and created our own path of happiness. I am proud how Justin, Nathan, and Christina seek truth and are doing what they love. They make me excited for life.

CalBears.com: Do you have any particular professional athletic teams or any specific professional athletes that you follow?
CH: L.A. Lakers.

CalBears.com: If you could snap your fingers and appear somewhere else, where would it be?
CH: I would be at San Onofre with all of my friends and family. It would be a warm sunny summer day with great waves, and we would surf all day and until it was dark. Then go home and have a barbeque with grilled veggies, of course!

CalBears.com: Do you have any superstitions?
CH: No. It's healthier that way!

CalBears.com: In the last women's water polo Q&A, Elizabeth Layton wanted the next student-athlete to answer: What's the worst thing someone has physically done to you during a game?
CH: I got stabbed in the eye! The pain was heightened because the chlorine and sun are strong, so my eyes are already sensitive. Then to get poked in they eye when I already cannot see...it's just the worst.

CalBears.com: What question would you want the next women's water polo athlete to answer?
CH: What is your favorite food? Where would you like to be eating your favorite food? (The more descriptive the better!)...And, would you rather be a mermaid or have wings? Why?

For a complete listing of past Q&As with the California women's water polo team, click here or look on the sidebar on the main women's water polo page.