Camille Kostek

Camille Veronica Kostek is an American model, television host, media personality, and former professional cheerleader. Born on February 19, 1992, in Killingworth, Connecticut, she gained widespread recognition through her work with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, eventually earning a solo cover position on the iconic 2019 issue. She has also built a dynamic career across television broadcasting, hosting, and acting, making her a prominent public figure in modern fashion and entertainment.

Early Life and Cheerleading

Kostek grew up in Killingworth, Connecticut, where she developed an early passion for dance and athletics. She attended Haddam-Killingworth High School, serving as a cheerleader and varsity lacrosse captain while hosting the school's broadcasting program. She went on to attend Eastern Connecticut State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Business. During her college years, she worked as an anchor for the university television network, TV22, and performed with the school's dance squad. In 2013, Kostek joined the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, performing with the squad for two seasons and gracing the cover of the team's swimsuit calendar before retiring from cheerleading in 2015.

Modeling and Career Breakthrough

After leaving cheerleading, Kostek pursued a full-time career in modeling and on-camera hosting. Her major breakthrough occurred in 2018 when she won the inaugural Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search. The following year, she made history by landing the solo cover of the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Renowned for promoting body positivity and self-love, Kostek became a recurring feature in the publication's annual editions. Her modeling portfolio includes major campaigns and partnerships with lifestyle, athletic, and fashion brands such as Reebok, Victoria's Secret PINK, and L'Oréal, alongside developing her own co-designed swimwear collections.

Television, Film, and Personal Life

In addition to modeling, Kostek has established herself as a versatile television host and actress. She served as the field host for the TBS game show reboot Wipeout alongside John Cena and Nicole Byer, and hosted the NBC dance competition series Dancing with Myself. Her acting debut included a cameo in the 2018 comedy I Feel Pretty, followed by a prominent supporting role as Bombshell in the 2021 feature film Free Guy alongside Ryan Reynolds. In her personal life, Kostek has been in a high-profile relationship with former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski since 2015.