Stephanie Sarkisian is widely recognized as the ex-wife of famous football coach Steve Sarkisian, yet her life extends far beyond that connection. As a dedicated mother raising three children and a passionate educator building a meaningful career in education, this woman exemplifies strength and quiet strength while maintaining her privacy away from the public spotlight. Her story highlights important themes of family commitment, professional dedication, and handling personal challenges with remarkable resilience.
This article explores how Stephanie Sarkisian balances multiple roles with grace, showcasing her ability to navigate both professional and personal responsibilities. Details about Stephanie Sarkisian have resurfaced in public interest after Steve Sarkisian announced a possible divorce from his second wife, Loreal Smith. Steve was previously married to Stephanie for nearly two decades, from 1997 to 2015 (1997–2015), a period that shaped much of their family’s foundation and underscored her enduring commitment to their children despite life’s transitions.
Quick Bio/Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephanie Yamamoto Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1974 (some sources: 1975) |
| Age | 51 years old (as of March 2025) / 50 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Japan (some sources: Los Angeles, California, USA) |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Heritage | Japanese American |
| Education | West High School, University of Southern California (USC), UCLA |
| Profession | Educator, Teacher, School Administrator |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse/Ex-Husband | Steve Sarkisian |
| Marriage Date | 1997 |
| Divorce Date | 2016 |
| Children | Three – Ashley, Taylor, Brady |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million to $1.5 million |
| Social Media Presence | Private, not publicly active |
The Early Chapter: Stephanie’s Childhood and Youth
Stephanie Sarkisian was born in 1975, with sources pointing to either Los Angeles, California, or Japan as her birthplace, reflecting her Japanese-American heritage that would become a cornerstone of her identity. Growing up within a family that valued education, hard work, and close family ties, she developed a strong sense of responsibility and kindness from an early age, traits that would define her character throughout her life. She attended West High School, where her passion for learning began to flourish, and these formative years shaped her calm and determined personality as she moved forward with purpose. Pursuing higher education, Stephanie enrolled at both the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), experiences that were instrumental in preparing her for a future dedicated to teaching and supporting others, embodying the values instilled by her upbringing.
A Closer Look: Stephanie’s Age and Family Heritage
Stephanie Sarkisian, born on March 8, 1974, is currently aged 51 as of March 2025, carrying a rich cultural background that reflects her unique heritage. She belongs to Asian ethnicity with deep Japanese roots that trace back to her birthplace in Japan, where her early life began before her family relocated to the United States when she was still young, shaping the multicultural perspective that would define her identity and experiences throughout her life.
Stephanie Today: Age and Appearance in 2025
Stephanie Sarkisian, born in 1975, is now 50 years old as of 2025, yet there’s very little public information available about her physical appearance or looks. She prefers to keep her personal life private, making it clear that she chooses to focus on her family and career rather than sharing details about herself with the world. This approach is reflecting her humble, low-key personality, which values substance over attention and prioritizes what truly matters in life.
Beyond Being a Coach’s Wife: Her Educational Background and Career
Stephanie Sarkisian has carved out her identity through a strong academic path, proving she’s more than an ex-wife of a football coach. Earning degrees from the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in education and school administration, she built a meaningful career as a teacher who discovered her passion for helping students learn and grow in the classroom. As she advanced through various roles, she embraced leadership responsibilities as a school administrator, which became a central part of her professional life. Beyond academics, her dedication led her to actively contributed to community programs that raise awareness about important health issues like breast cancer and AIDS, making community service a defining aspect of who she is today.
Beyond Being a Coach’s Ex-Wife: Stephanie’s Own Career
While many know her through her connection to Steve Sarkisian, who married Loreal Smith on June 29, 2020, Stephanie carved out her own path long before and after their relationship ended. Loreal Smith, a multifaceted professional specialising in fashion styling, brought her striking fashion sense to styling high-profile individuals after transitioning from sports to the fashion world, much like how Stephanie has reinvented herself beyond the shadow of being a coach’s ex-wife. Smith once played softball and ran track throughout her school life and even served as a track and field assistant coach at the University of Southern California, demonstrating that women connected to the coaching world often have remarkable careers of their own.
As a philanthropist and founder of the XOLO Foundation, which focuses on supporting women, Loreal’s journey mirrors the strength many women show in building their own legacies a testament to how those once defined by relationships become powerful forces in their respective fields.
Meeting Steve Sarkisian: The Beginning of Their Story
Stephanie Sarkisian and Steve Sarkisian first met during their high school years at West High School in Torrance, California, where the halls of their school became the backdrop for a connection built on shared experiences and mutual respect that would shape both of their lives. What began as a friendship blossomed into a deeper relationship that led to marriage in 1997, shortly after graduation, marking the start of a partnership that would endure throughout the demands and challenges of Steve’s early coaching career.
Stephanie provided unwavering support while balancing the needs of their growing family, demonstrating a deep commitment to each other and their children as they navigated the complexities of public life and his profession together. Their bond was marked by personal growth, with Stephanie standing beside Steve as they moved through different stages of life, always maintaining the foundation they built during those formative years in California.
Who Is Steve Sarkisian?
Steve Sarkisian is an American football coach and former player who currently serves as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, a position he became part of in 2021 after embarked on an impressive coaching career that included stints as offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama and the Atlanta Falcons, along with head coaching roles at the University of Washington and the University of Southern California. Born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California, he is of Armenian and Irish descent, and his collegiate athletic career began as a baseball player at USC before transitioning to football at El Camino College and later at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he had a standout career as a quarterback and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1997.
His professional playing career spanned three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League, and following his playing days, he led his team to significant achievements, including a Big 12 Championship in 2023 and a College Football Playoff appearance.
How Stephanie Sarkisian’s Married to Steve Sarkisian
Stephanie Sarkisian and Steve Sarkisian built their relationship from the ground up, starting in their high school years and continuing through college, where their bond deepened before they decided on marriage in 1997. As Steve Sarkisian’s coaching career advanced, Stephanie Sarkisian embraced the demanding role of a coach’s wife, managing the constant challenges that came with long hours, frequent travel, and public attention.
These difficulties tested their foundation, yet she balanced family life with quiet strength, supporting his career while ensuring their home remained stable and loving. Their shared values of hard work, loyalty, and family unity became the compass they used to navigate the ups and downs of life together over nearly two decades, proving that their commitment was built on something far deeper than circumstance.
Life After Divorce: Is Stephanie in a New Relationship?
Stephanie Sarkisian has remained single since her divorce was finalized in 2016, choosing to focus on her career and children rather than jumping into a new relationship. As Steve Sarkisian’s first wife, their paths crossed back in the early nineties when they started dating during high school, and the duo eventually exchanged nuptials in 1997 after graduating. However, on April 20, 2015, Brady Sarkisian’s mother filed for divorce in L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason behind the split.
Following the divorce filing, the former couple released a joint statement expressing their desire to protect the privacy of their family, emphasizing that their goal was to raise their children in a joint, cooperative style as caring and loving parents. Since the married life ended, Stephanie has kept her personal life away from the spotlight, and there’s no public information suggesting she’s involved with anyone romantically at this time.
Meet the Sarkisian Children: Ashley, Taylor, and Brady
Stephanie Sarkisian and her ex-husband, Steve Sarkisian, share three remarkable children: Ashley, Taylor, and Brady. Throughout Steve’s demanding coaching career, which often meant time apart and constant travel, Stephanie remained a steadfast mother who never wavered in prioritizing her children’s well-being. Her dedication to family was evident in how she managed the challenges of public life while providing unwavering love, support, and stability for Ashley, Taylor, and Brady during every phase of their upbringing.
Stephanie Sarkisian’s Children Overview
Ashley Sarkisian (Eldest of Three)
Education:
- Graduated from New York University in 2024
- Major: International Relations
- Minors: Spanish and Portuguese
- Currently pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of Texas School of Law
Athletics:
- Captained the volleyball and beach volleyball teams at Sage Hill High School
- Demonstrated exceptional athleticism and leadership
Career & Achievements:
- TEDx speaker who delivered a talk on modern technology consumption
- Reflects strong commitment to academic and professional growth
Personal Traits:
- Demonstrating excellence across multiple fields
- Global perspective through language studies
Taylor Sarkisian (Middle Child)
Education:
- Maintains a low public profile
- Education details private
Athletics:
- Not publicly documented
Career & Achievements:
- Known for her private nature
- Celebrated her sweet 16 in April 2024
- Father Steve shared a heartfelt birthday message on Instagram, referring to her as his “baby girl”
Personal Traits:
- Cherished presence in the family
- Offering quiet support and love
- Strong close-knit family bonds
Brady Sarkisian (Youngest)
Education:
- Joined the University of Texas Longhorns in 2023 as a preferred walk-on
- Majoring in Sociology
- Balancing academics and athletics
Athletics:
- 6’1″, 230-pound linebacker from Newport Beach, California
- Played for Corona del Mar High School
- Recording impressive statistics: 33 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks in his senior year
Career & Achievements:
- Following in his father’s footsteps in the world of football
- Continues to develop his skills on the field
Personal Traits:
- Demonstrates dedication across athletics and education
Key Family Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Size | Three children |
| Parent | Steve Sarkisian (father) |
| Location | Newport Beach, California area |
| Educational Institutions | • Sage Hill High School • Corona del Mar High School • New York University • University of Texas School of Law • University of Texas Longhorns |
| Time Period | Activities spanning through 2023–2024 |
| Family Values | Close-knit family bonds, mutual support, love, and encouragement |
Life After Divorce: Financial Independence and New Beginnings
When Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian decided to divorce in 2015, citing irreconcilable differences, the process was finalized by 2016. The couple worked hard at keeping details private to protect their family, especially their three children. Despite the end of their marriage, they have maintained a respectful and cooperative relationship that remains focused on co-parenting with love and support. The divorce brought significant changes to their family dynamics, but Stephanie prioritized creating a stable and nurturing environment during this transition. Her ability to rebuild her life with dignity and resilience serves as an inspiring example of strength through difficult times.
Building Financial Independence
Financially, Stephanie has built an independent life with an estimated net worth of around one million dollars. This wealth comes mainly from her successful career in education and the divorce settlement. While her financial standing is modest compared to Steve’s estimated five million dollars, Stephanie’s financial independence is important to her. It is allowing her to provide security and freedom for herself and her children, giving them the foundation they need to thrive as a family moving forward.
The Real Stephanie: Character, Values, and Public Image
Stephanie is known for her strong preference for privacy, choosing to keep her personal life away from the public eye and avoiding social media entirely. Unlike many public figures who thrive on media attention, she deliberately chooses a low profile, focusing on meaningful priorities rather than public opinion. This approach helps her protect her family’s peace and well-being, creating a balance that keeps life centered on what truly matters family, education, and personal growth.
While most public interest naturally focuses on Steve Sarkisian and his football career, Stephanie skillfully manages to avoid speculation and public drama by maintaining a humble and grounded personality. Her dedication to kindness, perseverance, and putting family first has helped her navigate both public scrutiny and private challenges with grace and strength, demonstrating that keeping one’s values intact requires both courage and quiet resolve.
Stephanie Today: Current Life and Her Quiet Impact
Stephanie continues to focus on her family and career in education, rarely stepping into the public spotlight or giving interviews, yet her vital role behind the scenes remains undeniable. Her son, Brady, is actively pursuing his football career with the Texas Longhorns, while her daughter, Ashley, is advancing through her academic journey, and Stephanie plays an essential part in supporting their growth, ambitions, and dreams. Those close to her know she values stability, love, and the children’s well-being above all else, reflecting a quiet strength that shows the important yet often overlooked contributions of spouses of sports figures in maintaining family balance during demanding professional lives.
Beyond her role as a mother, Stephanie has demonstrated her commitment to helping others through community involvement, supporting causes and awareness programs for breast cancer and AIDS, which speaks to her caring nature and dedication to making a difference in the lives of people who need it most.
Stephanie’s Legacy: Key Lessons and Takeaways
Stephanie Sarkisian’s life teaches us that resilience and dedication don’t always come with fanfare sometimes the most important lessons are found in quiet strength and unwavering commitment. Stephanie exemplifies how balancing family and career with grace can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful existence, particularly for women juggling the relentless personal and professional demands of modern life. Stephanie’s story remains inspiring because it’s rooted in authenticity, showing that success isn’t always loud or showy but deeply anchored in love, perseverance, and core values.
Married to Steve for nearly two decades before they divorced, she navigated the complexities of being Steve’s first wife while honoring her mixed Japanese and American ethnicity her father having Japanese roots that shaped her cultural identity. Following her divorce from the American football coach, she forged a private life away from public scrutiny, demonstrating that true power lies in choosing peace over visibility and building something genuinely meaningful beyond the spotlight.
Little-Known Facts About Stephanie
Stephanie Sarkisian, the former wife of renowned football coach Steve Sarkisian, is a woman of quiet strength and resilience who has carved out her own path Despite living in the shadow of her ex-husband’s high-profile career. Stephanie has reportedly built a fulfilling life in her profession as a teacher, embodying the role of a dedicated educator and devoted mother.
- After graduating college, Stephanie’s former husband played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1997 to 1999
- Stephanie’s divorce was finalised in 2016, marking the end of their marriage
- Following their divorce, Steve went ahead and married Loreal Smith in 2020
FAQs
Q: Who is Stephanie Sarkisian?
A: Stephanie Sarkisian is an educator and the former wife of American football coach Steve Sarkisian. Born in 1975, she is 50 years old as of 2025 and has built a successful career in education while maintaining a private life away from the spotlight. Though she became a public figure due to her ex-spouse, her personal details remain private as she continues focusing on her family and career.
Q: What is Stephanie Sarkisian’s professional background?
A: Working as a teacher and school administrator, Stephanie Sarkisian earned multiple degrees from the University of Southern California and UCLA. Passionate about making a difference, she has contributed to various community awareness programs throughout her teaching career, demonstrating her commitment to education and service.
Q: Does Stephanie Sarkisian have children?
A: Yes, as a devoted mother to three children Ashley, Taylor, and Brady Stephanie Sarkisian has always prioritized her role as a parent. Her youngest son, Brady Sarkisian, currently plays football for the Texas Longhorns, continuing the family’s connection to the sport.
Q: When did Stephanie Sarkisian divorce Steve Sarkisian?
A: Stephanie Sarkisian divorced Steve Sarkisian in 2016 after nearly 20 years of marriage. Despite the separation, she has remained committed to co-parenting their children respectfully and privately, ensuring they maintain strong relationships with both parents.
Q: Is Stephanie Sarkisian on social media?
A: No, Stephanie Sarkisian prefers to keep her life private and does not maintain an active presence on social media platforms. This choice reflects her intentional focus on living a calm, low-profile lifestyle away from public attention.
Q: What is Stephanie Sarkisian’s approach to public life?
A: Stephanie Sarkisian consistently chooses to stay out of the spotlight, maintaining a low-profile lifestyle that prioritizes her family and career over public recognition. Her dedication to privacy allows her to live a calm existence focused on what matters most to her.
Conclusion
Stephanie Sarkisian has shown us through her journey that true strength comes from within, especially when facing life’s challenges with grace and determination. Her story reflects a deep commitment to family while maintaining dedication to her career, proving that balance is possible even despite difficult circumstances. She remains a role model for quiet empowerment, choosing privacy over public attention while moving forward with purpose. Her resilience encourages others to appreciate the power of staying true to ourselves and focusing on what truly matters.
By embracing hope and dignity in every step, Stephanie Sarkisian demonstrates that authentic living and personal values can guide us through any situation, inspiring countless individuals to walk their own paths with confidence and integrity.
Featured image Credit: Getty Images
