Understanding Steve Sarkisian First Wife and the Full Story Behind Their Marriage and Family Life
If you’re searching for Steve Sarkisian first wife, you’re likely curious about the early personal life of the well-known college football coach who has led programs such as Washington, USC, and now Texas. Steve Sarkisian—often referred to as “Coach Sark”—has built a high-profile career filled with major wins, tough setbacks, and inspiring comebacks. While fans know a lot about his coaching journey, many wonder about the woman who was by his side during the early years of his rise: his first wife, Stephanie Sarkisian.
Their marriage, family life, and eventual divorce played a meaningful role in Steve’s journey, shaping his personal growth and life direction. Although both Steve and Stephanie now live separate, private lives, their story remains important for fans who want to understand the man behind the coach.
This article explores who Stephanie Sarkisian is, what her life with Steve was like, their children, their divorce, and how Steve moved forward personally and professionally.
Who Is Steve Sarkisian?
Before diving into his first marriage, it helps to understand Steve Sarkisian’s path. Born in 1974 in Torrance, California, Sarkisian played quarterback at Brigham Young University (BYU). After college, he spent time in the Canadian Football League before transitioning into coaching.
His coaching career includes roles as:
- Offensive Coordinator at USC
- Head Coach at the University of Washington
- Head Coach at USC
- Assistant and Offensive Coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons
- Offensive Coordinator for Alabama
- Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns
Known for his offensive mind and quarterback development skills, Sarkisian has become a major figure in college football. But behind his rising career was a long marriage that began before his fame grew.
Who Is Steve Sarkisian’s First Wife?
Steve Sarkisian’s first wife is Stephanie Sarkisian (born Stephanie Yamamoto). She is a private, reserved individual who remained mostly out of the spotlight during and after their marriage.
Who Is Stephanie Sarkisian?
Stephanie was born in California in 1975 and shares Japanese heritage. She met Steve long before he became a nationally recognized coach. At the time, both were young and focused on building their futures.
Throughout their marriage, Stephanie maintained a low public profile. She was known for being:
- supportive
- family-oriented
- grounded
- private
- dedicated to her children
She preferred to stay out of media attention, even during Steve’s most high-profile coaching years.
When Did Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian Get Married?
Steve Sarkisian and Stephanie married in 1997, shortly after Steve completed his playing career at BYU. At the time, Steve was still finding his professional direction, and the couple built their life together from scratch.
Their marriage began during a period of transition and growth—Steve was moving from playing to coaching, and the couple had no fame or public pressure at the time.
Their Family and Children
During their marriage, Steve and Stephanie had three children:
- Taylor Sarkisian (daughter)
- Ashley Sarkisian (daughter)
- Brady Sarkisian (son)
Family life was extremely important to both Steve and Stephanie. Despite Steve’s demanding career schedule, the couple worked hard to create stability for their children.
Raising Children in a Coaching Family
Being the spouse of a football coach comes with challenges:
- frequent moves
- long coaching hours
- recruiting trips
- game-day obligations
- relocations due to new opportunities
Stephanie played a central role in keeping the home life consistent and grounded, often managing logistics when Steve’s schedule became overwhelming.
The children grew up in several states, including California and Washington, depending on Steve’s coaching assignments.
Stephanie’s Role During Steve’s Coaching Career
During Steve’s time at the University of Washington and USC, Stephanie remained out of the public eye. She attended games and supported Steve privately but preferred not to participate in media interviews or high-profile appearances.
Her role was similar to many coach spouses:
- managing the household
- helping kids transition during moves
- supporting Steve through career pressure
- maintaining family routines
- providing emotional grounding
Behind the scenes, Stephanie acted as the backbone of the family while Steve’s coaching responsibilities grew more intense.
The Divorce: What Happened?
Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian divorced in April 2015 after nearly 18 years of marriage. The couple announced their separation publicly but kept the details private.
Their joint statement emphasized:
- mutual respect
- commitment to co-parenting
- desire to keep their children’s well-being at the center
- intention to avoid public drama
Despite media speculation, neither Steve nor Stephanie shared specific reasons for the divorce.
The Timing
The divorce occurred shortly before Steve’s very public challenges during his time at USC. In late 2015, he faced personal struggles involving alcohol and emotional health. While his issues became widely reported, the couple’s divorce had already been finalized months earlier.
Moving Forward
Since the divorce, both have kept their personal lives out of the spotlight. Stephanie remains private, and Steve has acknowledged that the period was difficult but transformative.
Life After Divorce
Stephanie’s Life Today
Stephanie continues to live a quiet, private life focused on her children. She has not pursued public roles or interviews, and very little is known about her post-divorce activities.
Her choice to stay out of the spotlight has helped protect her family’s privacy during years of major public attention around Steve’s career.
Steve Sarkisian’s Life Today
After facing personal setbacks in 2015, Steve focused on recovery, growth, and rebuilding his career. He opened up about his struggles with alcohol, sought help, and gradually worked his way back into coaching.
He rebuilt his professional reputation through:
- work with Alabama
- success as Offensive Coordinator
- regaining trust in the coaching community
- leading Texas as head coach
In 2020, Steve remarried. His second wife is Loreal Smith, a former USC track star and coach known for her strength, confidence, and vibrant personality. Their marriage is separate from his first, but fans often compare the chapters of his personal life.
Why People Search for “Steve Sarkisian First Wife”
There are several reasons this question is so common:
1. The Public Divorce
Steve’s personal struggles in 2015 were widely reported, leading many to look back at his first marriage.
2. Curiosity About His Early Life
Fans want to understand the woman who was with him during his early coaching years.
3. Interest in Coaching Family Dynamics
College football is high-pressure, and fans often want to know how coaches balance marriage and career.
4. Comparison to His Second Marriage
Because Steve is now remarried, people naturally look up his first wife for context.
5. Lack of Public Information
Stephanie’s privacy creates intrigue—people want information that isn’t easily found.
How Steve and Stephanie Co-Parent Today
Although details are limited, Steve has spoken respectfully about co-parenting his children and maintaining a stable environment for them. Both parents prioritize:
- communication
- stability
- emotional support
- involvement in the children’s lives
- keeping drama out of the public
Their shared dedication reflects maturity and commitment to their family.
Final Thought
Now that you know the full story behind Steve Sarkisian first wife, it’s clear that Stephanie Sarkisian played a major role in Steve’s early life and coaching journey. Their marriage lasted nearly two decades, brought them three children, and carried them through pivotal years of personal and professional growth.
While they ultimately went their separate ways, both Steve and Stephanie have shown respect, privacy, and maturity in handling their divorce and ongoing co-parenting. Stephanie remains a private figure dedicated to her family, while Steve continues to build his coaching legacy and personal life with gratitude and resilience.
Featured image source: Pinterest
