Steve Sarkisian, the high-profile head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has lived much of his adult life under the bright lights of college football. Fans often search for details about his personal life, especially his first marriage. The woman at the center of those searches is Stephanie Sarkisian, his ex-wife and the mother of his three older children. Here’s a clear, up-to-date look at who she is and how their story unfolded.
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Who Is Steve Sarkisian’s Ex-Wife Stephanie Sarkisian?
Stephanie Sarkisian (sometimes referred to as Stephanie Yamamoto Sarkisian) kept a low public profile even when her husband’s career soared. She is of Japanese-American heritage and has worked in education and real estate. Unlike many coaches’ spouses who become public figures, Stephanie preferred privacy.
She met Steve in the mid-1990s. They married in 1997, around the time he was transitioning from playing quarterback at BYU into coaching. The couple built a family while Steve moved through different coaching jobs. They share three children:
- Ashley Sarkisian
- Taylor Sarkisian
- Brady Sarkisian (who later played linebacker at Texas)
Stephanie supported the family through the constant moves and the intense demands of the coaching lifestyle.
Their Marriage and Divorce Timeline
The marriage lasted nearly two decades. Key moments include:
- 1997: Steve and Stephanie marry.
- Late 1990s–2010s: They raise three children while Steve coaches at various college and professional levels.
- 2013–2015: Steve serves as head coach at USC. The period ends with professional turmoil and personal challenges.
- April 2015: Stephanie files for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce is finalized around 2015–2016.
The split was handled privately. Court documents and reports indicate an amicable arrangement focused on the children, with joint custody and no major public drama or prolonged legal battles.
Around the same time, Steve faced personal struggles that nearly derailed his career. The divorce marked a difficult chapter, but both parents prioritized co-parenting. Detail Stephanie Sarkisian Loreal Sarkisian (second marriage) Marriage years 1997–2015/2016 2020–present (reconciled after 2024) Children together Ashley, Taylor, Brady One son (born 2025) Public profile Very private Active on social media, stylist Occupation background Education / real estate Track athlete, wardrobe stylist
Life After Divorce: Stephanie’s Private Path
After the divorce, Stephanie stepped further out of the spotlight. As of recent reports in 2026, she is believed to live in the Seattle, Washington area and continues to focus on her children and a quiet personal life. She has not remarried publicly and maintains almost no social-media presence.
Friends and those close to the family describe her as resilient and dedicated to her kids. Brady’s time playing at Texas kept some connection to Steve’s professional world, but Stephanie herself stayed away from the cameras and the “first lady of football” role. Her choice to remain private stands in contrast to the more visible life of Steve’s later partner.
Steve Sarkisian’s Family Today
Steve later married Loreal Smith (now Loreal Sarkisian) in 2020 while he was at Alabama. The couple announced plans to divorce in July 2024, citing the pressures of their careers. They later reconciled, welcomed a son in 2025, and as of October 2026 Loreal continues to appear at Texas games and events as his wife. She is widely known as the “First Lady of Texas Longhorns Football” for her stylish game-day presence.
Steve’s older children with Stephanie remain part of the family picture. Brady has been connected to the Texas program, and the extended family appears to navigate the blended dynamics with relative privacy.
Conclusion
Stephanie Sarkisian is the clear answer when people ask about Steve Sarkisian’s ex-wife. She shared nearly 18 years of marriage, three children, and the ups and downs of a coaching life before choosing a quieter path after their 2015–2016 divorce. While Steve’s second marriage to Loreal has had its own public chapters—including a 2024 split followed by reconciliation—Stephanie has consistently stayed out of the headlines.
Her story is a reminder that not every person connected to a high-profile coach seeks the spotlight. In a world of constant social-media updates and game-day fashion, Stephanie’s decision to protect her privacy feels refreshingly deliberate.
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