Another installment in a series in which we check in with Brandeis student-athletes about how they've handled the unique situations presented by the spring and summer of 2020.
Camila Casanueva '21 was the 2018 UAA Women's Basketball Rookie of the Year and has been a two-time second-team All-Association selection. Last year, she set the school's single-season record for free-throw percentage, hitting 90 percent from the line. She will enter her senior campaign with 868 points, 17th on the Judges' career list, and 119 3-pointers, which ranks fourth. Off the court, Camila is an HSSP and Sociology double major with minors in International Affairs and Spanish.
How did your classes go last semester? Did you do well with virtual learning?
My classes last semester went very well despite moving online. Professors were accommodating and willing to adapt amid the circumstances. Virtual learning has definitely been an adjustment for everyone, the biggest challenge for me was remaining engaged and finding other ways to be successful in the classroom.
How did you spend your free time?
I spend most of my free time being active at home. I am fortunate to call California home where I have been able to go on lots of hikes and beach walks, which makes my dog very happy.
What's your favorite thing that you watched on TV?
The Last Dance documentary series on Michael Jordan was incredible. Never getting to watch Jordan play, the documentary was pretty cool in the sense that it captured his competitive mindset, work ethic, and will to be the absolute greatest.
What's one thing you ended up liking that you didn't expect?
One thing I didn't expect to like but have enjoyed is just being at home. Living at home again, during a global pandemic and with the continued racial injustices in our country has really put things into perspective. Live in the moment, life is too short to wait for tomorrow.
How have you kept engaged with your coaches and teammates?
We have kept engaged mostly through Zoom calls with coaches and teammates as well as holding team zooms to check-in and hangout. It's always nice to see everyone's faces and hear all the ways people are keeping busy.
How have you kept in shape for your sport?
I have kept in shape through a variety of different workouts to mix up my training. Getting creative with at-home workouts as well as playing hoops in the front yard. It's been fun to switch things up and try different workouts as well.
What's the first thing you want to do when you get back onto campus?
The first thing I want to do when I get back to campus is to see all my teammates and coaches again. I am also very excited about the brand new Auerbach Arena court! Looking forward to the day we can compete on the good looking hardwood.