GUAM BLOOD RUNS THROUGH VIRGINIA DANCER

By Patrick Lujan

The Chamorro blood continues to run through the sports world across the globe.

University of Virginia freshman dancer Lauren Austin has roots in Pago Bay with the Guerrero family.

The daughter of Yvonne Guerrero Austin and Michael Austin, Lauren had her nine seconds of fame (Lauren Austin on ESPN) the other night when the Virginia Cavaliers beat the California Golden Bears 63-62 in OT.

The youngest of four children, Lauren turned down a track scholarship for the opportunity to be a member of the Virginia Dance Team.

“She has trained in jazz, modern, clogging, lyrical, and hip hop dance,” mom Yvonne told GSPN. “There are many layers to her as well, as she also competed in track and field in middle and high school, specializing in triple and long jumps, 300m hurdles and ran relay as well.  She also ran cross country in her senior year of high school.  She made all-state in the outdoor triple jump, indoor long and triple jumps, and 300m hurdles.”

Lauren started taking dance classes when she was 3-years-old and has won several awards for solo performances throughout her middle and high school years.

She is the granddaughter of Jesus (deceased) and Ann Guerrero, formerly of Pago Bay.  Ann Guerrero currently resides in Marysville, WA.  Yvonne Guerrero Austin is a 1978 graduate of GW before moving off island in 1982 and met Michael in Hawaii. Lauren has yet to visit Guam, but her mom hopes to bring her here some time soon. Yvonne’s last trip home was three years ago.

The freshman dance team member at Virginia is the daughter of Yvonne Guerrero Austin formerly of Pago Bay. (courtesy photo)