Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week: Emilia Busuioc

Senior tennis player Emilia Busuioc is this week’s Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week, recognized for her resilience, competitive spirit, and dedication both in and out of the classroom. Whether she’s leading on the tennis court or excelling academically, Busuioc embodies the E.A.S.T. core values of excellence, academics, spirit and tradition.

Busuioc’s journey with tennis began at the age of eight when she picked up her first racket during a summer camp in her neighborhood. Encouraged by her family, she quickly fell in love with the sport, and by age 11, she was already training and competing regularly. Her passion for tennis only grew from there, but her path wasn’t without its challenges.

"Unfortunately, the pandemic and a family health crisis put a hold on her training," her mother, Elena Busuioc, said. "But after her freshman year, she was determined to get back on the courts. She trained over the summer, made the varsity team, and hasn’t missed a practice or game since."
This kind of determination is what has allowed Busuioc to stand out to her coaches and earn the honor of athlete of the week. As a member of the Oswego East varsity tennis team for three years, she competed at #2 doubles in her sophomore year, and advanced to #1 doubles in her junior and senior seasons.

"With a 16-3 record at first doubles this season, Emi’s dedication to the team is clear," Coach Conrad said. "She leads by example both on and off the courts, always ready to cheer on her teammates after her matches or help others improve during practice."
For Busuioc, the joy of tennis goes beyond just winning matches. It’s about growth—both personal and for her team.

"A goal my team has for this season is to see tremendous improvement in everyone’s tennis skills and set up future varsity players for success next season," Busuioc said. "Personally, I want to win conference and make it to state. It’s a tough goal, but I’ve been working hard to improve, and I believe I can achieve it."

Busuioc’s commitment to tennis is matched by her academic success. She currently holds a 4.6 GPA, takes advanced classes, and is an AP Scholar. She’s also deeply involved in other areas of school life, having managed the boys’ tennis team and represented Oswego East as a talented musician at state-level competitions. She also leads in her school by serving as the Secretary for East’s NHS chapter.

Busuioc plans to apply the academic and leadership skills that she has learned at East in order to propel her in her future studies of chemical engineering and hopes to attend Northwestern University.

"I've always had a passion for STEM, especially engineering," Busuioc said. "Chemical engineering will allow me to combine my love for chemistry and problem-solving to make a positive impact in the world."

Though her future is focused on academics, Busuioc doesn’t plan to leave tennis behind. She hopes to continue playing in college, likely through club tennis, balancing competition with her demanding studies.

"Even if I don’t play tennis professionally, it will always be a part of my life. The energy, the competitiveness, and the friendships I’ve made are what I love most about the sport."
As Busuioc approaches the end of her high school tennis career, her leadership, both in athletics and academics, leaves a lasting impression on her coaches and teammates. Her commitment to helping others, whether it’s through offering encouragement during matches or pushing her teammates in practice, is what makes her stand out.

"Emi embodies everything we value in our program," Coach Conrad said. "She is a great representative of our team and our school."

As Busuioc wraps up her final season at Oswego East, she remains focused on finishing strong—both on the court and in the classroom. Her resilience, ambition, and passion will no doubt carry her far in her future endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on those who have had the privilege of working with her at East.

"Whether it’s bringing down her times on the court or achieving her academic goals, we’re excited to see what Emi accomplishes next," Elena Busoic said.