Editor's note: In this sixth of 13 articles in a series that chronicles the successes and achievements of the 2024 Shieh Su Ying Scholar Athlete Award finalists, The Guam Daily Post shares the story of Academy of Our Lady of Guam student-athlete Taylor-Ann Sukrampai Santos.
With five high school track and field records for the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and multiple trips to the podium in Guam-based and international competition, Taylor-Ann Sukrampai Santos is one of the fastest, most accomplished runners and jumpers the Micronesian region has ever known.
But the 18-year-old athlete isn’t just one of the island’s quickest and most decorated competitors, she’s also a 2024 Shieh Su Ying Scholar Athlete Award finalist.
“To be chosen as a Shieh Su Ying scholar is an honor, considering the tremendous talent of the class of 2024 in academics, athletics and service to the community,” Santos said. “Throughout high school, I always found time management difficult to manage due to the limited amount of time in a school year, often sacrificing my free time with long practices, late-night study sessions and weekend community service. Despite the challenges, the thought of my hard work leading to success kept me motivated.”
As one of four females selected by Dr. Thomas Shieh for the prestigious award, which recognizes the island’s top student-athletes for achievement in sport, school, and community, Santos has more than a fighting chance–before leaving for the University of California, Davis– of winning the exclusive Female Student Athlete of the Year award, a position she would not have been in had it not been for a loving family, skilled coaches and caring teachers.
“Several people have inspired me along my journey. First is my grandfather, Yuthasak Sukrampai, who was involved in various sports when growing up and later became a competitive bodybuilder. He has always believed in me from Day 1 when I first started running and continues to motivate and push me till this day,” Santos said. “I also want to recognize coach AJ Toves and coach Nate San Nicolas from Z Strength Nutrition. In sports, where your mentality determines victory or defeat, they remind me to have a smile and enjoy the excitement of competition. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my Nino Chris Santos, a multisport athlete. During times when I felt low, he believed in my success before I believed in it myself.”
Also, Santos recognized the entire AOLG faculty and staff. They “have shown me immense support over the years and have molded me into the woman and scholar-athlete I am today,” she said.
“One teacher, in particular, who has inspired and motivated me to excel in school is my senior English composition teacher Ms. Lincoln Budasi,” Santos said. “Her friendly and kind nature encouraged me to open up in the classroom and inspired me to share the positivity I experienced in her class into all aspects of my life.”
Joining club athletics
As Santos and the 12 other young men and women finalists eagerly await the announcement of the winners, which will occur later this summer, she is excited to start college and work toward a bachelor's degree in psychology and compete on UC Davis’ track and field club team.
“I chose UC Davis because their psychology program is among the best in the country, and their commitment to sustainability and diversity, along with their close-knit community, strongly aligns with my personal values and way of life in Guam,” she said.
Santos told The Guam Daily Post she is undecided as an exact career path but said she is passionate about nurturing children.
“I believe by fostering within our youth the importance of a healthy mind and body will create a healthier and happier future,” she said.
As Santos looks forward to extending her athletic career in university club athletics, she is honored to be a key member of the Guam Track and Field Association and is excited for her continued participation in international and regional meets.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of pride of representing our island, marching at the opening and closing ceremonies, holding and saluting to our flag during the medal presentations, and cheering on my fellow athletes. To be able to represent something bigger than myself is a feeling like no other,” said Santos. “My greatest achievement as an athlete is having had the opportunity to wear the Team Guam colors in international competitions.”
