'Big Brother' 's Kara Monaco: 'I Did Everything I Could'

Big Brother contestant Kara Monaco found herself on the block for the first live eviction of the season. But after losing her teammate Jodi the week before, Monaco and her coach Dan Gheesling pulled out all the stops to keep her in the game.

In the end, the 2006 Playboy Playmate of the Year was sent out the door Thursday, leaving Dan with just one player left in the game.

The morning after her eviction, Monaco, 29, told PEOPLE about working with Dan as a coach, Shane’s flirtatious comments, and all about her pre-eviction speech to the house guests.

Did you know you were going home?
Yes. I pretty much knew because I talked to enough people and some people even let me know for sure. Wil told me he was going to vote for me. I just didn’t want to be blindsided. I guess I didn’t know 100 percent until a few hours before.

We didn’t get to see much of your game-play. Did you campaign to stay?
I campaigned. I did everything I could do. I went to anyone and everyone to get them to vote for me to stay.

What did you mean in your eviction speech when you said to the house guests, "Some on your team have a final-two deal with the person they are trying to save?"
That came from Dan. He wanted me to say that as last-ditch effort to try and get people to possibly change their minds at the last second.

What did you think of the coaches twist?
It was nice having a really great player to help us and guide us. I think it also hurt us in a way. It wasn’t just about getting out players – it was about getting out coaches, too.

Would you have chosen Dan as a coach if it had been up to you?
Yes. I wanted to be on Dan’s team. Dan is a really great player and he is really smart. I never thought in a million years that he would choose me. I was upset the first day when the coaches came, and then I was really excited when Dan chose me.

What did you think of Shane’s comments about your legs? He seemed to have a bit of a crush. Was there anything there?
I thought his comments were funny and sweet. As far as there being anything there … I don’t know.

Which Coach do you think has what it takes to make it to the end?
I hope Dan makes it to the end. I am rooting for him. If not Dan, then I think Janelle could make it pretty far. I think she is a good coach. She pays attention to her players and she seems invested in them.

Was your time in the house what you expected?
It was … harder than I thought it would be. I guess what surprised me is definitely how much harder it is than you think it is going to be. It is not easy!