Austin McBroom’s journey to internet stardom didn’t start with a viral video or a lucky break – it began with basketball. Born on May 20, 1992, in Palmdale, California, Austin spent his early adulthood working hard on the court as a college basketball player, long before the ACE Family or millions of online followers were even a thought. But life has a way of changing course. As his interests shifted, he picked up a camera and discovered something new: he was just as skilled at telling stories as he was at sinking free throws.
With a natural charisma and a knack for connecting with viewers, Austin gradually built a massive following on YouTube, becoming half of the internet-famous ACE Family alongside his long-term partner Catherine Paiz. For years, fans tuned in for family vlogs, pranks, and slices of their daily life, all wrapped in the couple’s chemistry and the infectious energy of their growing family.
But if there’s one thing true about fame – especially the internet kind – it’s that it doesn’t make life simpler. Austin’s love life has been as closely watched as his subscriber count. His relationship with Catherine, which began in 2015, looked like a fairytale from the outside. Married in 2017 and parents to three children, they projected an image of togetherness that drew viewers in and helped cement their online legacy. That’s why their separation in early 2024 took so many by surprise; the couple’s split became as much a headline as any of their viral videos, leaving fans to speculate about what went wrong behind the scenes.
Of course, like most people, Austin had a dating history before the cameras started rolling. He dated Seiko Huffman from 2014 through mid-2015, a quieter romance that unfolded just as he was transitioning from athlete to content creator. Even earlier, back in 2012 or so, he was briefly linked with singer Jasmine Villegas – though that relationship, too, stayed mostly under the radar.
In recent years, rumors have swirled about possible flings or encounters. In 2021, some speculated about a connection with Slim Danger, but neither party ever confirmed much. The rumor mill also occasionally linked Austin to DJ Chantel Jeffries and YouTuber Tana Mongeau, though nothing substantial ever came to light.
What strikes those who have followed Austin’s journey is how much his attitude toward love and privacy has changed over the years. Early on, his relationships stayed out of the spotlight, but as fame grew, so did the urge – or maybe the necessity – to live transparently online. The ACE Family brand revolved around opening up their home and milestones to fans, for better or worse.
Reflecting on this balancing act, Austin once admitted in an interview, “When you’re in the public eye, you have to decide how much of your personal life you’re willing to share. That balance is different for everyone.” And for him, striking that balance has been a moving target.
Despite his fame – and a few controversies hounding his career – Austin has generally opted for discretion when it comes to splits or relationship drama. Rarely does he air dirty laundry on social media or get drawn into public feuds after breakups. Perhaps it’s his way of drawing the line, of holding onto some piece of his life that isn’t up for content.
Past Relationships
Slim Danger
Catherine Paiz
Seiko Huffman
Jasmine Villegas
Now, as Austin enters a new chapter after his split with Catherine, both fans and skeptics alike are watching to see what’s next. Will he reinvent his personal brand? Will his content pivot away from family life, now that that part of the story has changed? Whatever the answer, Austin McBroom’s evolution from athlete to YouTube star – and through a public love life – remains a fascinating part of the ever-shifting world of internet fame.
