Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Makayla Buenafe

Junior Makayla Buenafe is a feisty competitor, a trait that has helped her in the first year as the #1 singles player for the girl's tennis team. Makayla has high aspirations for this season and beyond, something that is quite attainable with her internal drive and the physical skills she possesses, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Inspired by her cousin Irene, Makayla first picked up a racket when she was around the age of 10. However, Makayla, an only child, has been hyper-competitive since she was very young. "I recall when she was probably around the age of 6, there was a hula hoop contest while we were in Orlando, Florida," says her father, Rainier Buenafe. He goes on to add, "It came down to Makayla and her mom (Marissa). Family or not, Makayla was not going to lose. This competitive edge pushes her personally in that she knows she can conquer anything she puts her mind to."

During Makayla's first two years on the OE tennis team, she paired up with Mary Weber to form the #1 doubles team for the Wolves. With Mary's graduation this past spring, Makayla positioned herself to become the team's #1 singles player. "For me, playing singles can help me in recruitment and rankings," says Makayla.

Head coach Peter Conrad believes his #1 singles player has the make-up to be highly successful in her new role. "Makayla is one of the most driven players I have ever coached," says Conrad. He goes on to add, "She is supported and encouraged by her parents, but you can see it in the way she goes about her work. Not only does she want to win, but she just wants to be a better player in all facets of the game."

Despite being internally driven to be successful as a singles player, Makayla does not shy away from the responsibility of leadership and is one of the team's captains. "Makayla is a strong leader, dedicated not only to her personal growth but the development of the team as a whole," says Conrad.

Makayla's father has witnessed her leadership qualities for both OE and her personal life, saying, "Makayla enjoys helping people and is sometimes humbled by underage kids looking up to her at 5 Star Tennis where she teaches tennis," says Rainier. He goes on to say, "As a captain this year (at OE), she offers advice to the underclassman and what it means to win and have fun doing it."

Despite this being the first season at OE in singles competition, Makayla has carried over the success she had as a doubles player. She is currently 17-3 and has put herself in a great position to make a push for the State competition, something Makayla has listed as a personal goal for the season. Despite this individual goal, she works tirelessly in helping the team achieve its goal of another conference championship.

Beyond high school Makayla is working hard towards playing tennis in college, possibly earning a scholarship, something her parents are both proud of and believe is possible. "We are so very proud of Makayla's accomplishments so far," says the Buenafe's. They go on to add, "We know she has the athletic ability to perform in the upper level, but she is also determined in life. She plans to continue playing tennis in college, but also try and earn a scholarship, be it through academics or athletics."

While Makayla is hopeful tennis is in her future, she is driven to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Makayla is interested in pre-medicine and the Radiology field and has done all she can to position herself to earn admission into college with a 3.9 G.P.A. up to this point.

Her English teacher, Patrick Sweeny, believe Makayla's personality and intelligence will allow her to be successful in the future, regardless of her area of interest. "Makayla comes in every day with a smile on her face, and she knows how to connect with her peers and teachers," says Patrick. He goes on to add, "Makayla's ability to speak to anyone will take her far in any career of her choosing. She connects with everyone, and this is a trait that will take her very far."

Makayla's path to success since coming to OE has been forged through determination, hard work, and a wonderful personality. As someone who has found success and has a bright future ahead of her, Makayla advises future Wolves to "Go out for every club and activity you can and put yourself out there and you will meet a ton of great people." Makayla has always gone for it as a determined individual, and there is little doubt this drive will yield tremendous results and successes, both this season and in the future.