Steve Sarkisian is the new talk of the town. Now dubbed the Steve Kerr of college football, the 50-year-old football coach has made a massive career comeback by leading the Texas Longhorns back to national contender status.
Coach Sark recently made news over the sudden split with his now ex-wife, Loreal Smith. But what many football fans don’t know about is how this is his second time going through a tumultuous marital issue.
If you’re a Longhorns fan wondering about Steve Sarkisian’s life behind the sidelines, this post is definitely for you. Let’s talk about Stephanie Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorn coach’s ex-wife, and the reason behind their divorce.
Who Is Stephanie Sarkisian?
Stephanie Yamamoto Sarkisian was born in Japan on March 8, 1974, making her 50 at the time of this writing. She’s part Japanese, with her father having Japanese roots.
While once married to a famous football coach, Stephanie kept a tight lid on her childhood. Steering clear of the media, she refrained from sharing details of her life before and after her marriage to the Longhorns coach.
That said, we know that their family moved from Japan to America when she was young. Based on public records, Stephanie attended and graduated from West High School.
Some sources report that Stephanie is a teacher, although the school and focus of her academic work are unknown.
Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian met in the early ‘90s. After dating for a few years, the couple tied the knot in 1997 in a private ceremony surrounded by close friends and family.
Marriage and Divorce From the Longhorns Coach
For the first couple of years, Stephanie and Steve enjoyed a quiet and happy marriage. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Ashley, Brady, and Taylor.
The union seemed perfect, so imagine the media’s surprise when Stephanie unexpectedly filed for divorce in L.A. County Superior Court in 2015.
By this time, Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian had been together for 18 years.
In the document acquired by TMZ, Stephanie cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for her decision to leave her husband of almost two decades.
Several days later, the couple released a joint statement expressing their desire for the circumstances around their divorce to be kept private.
“It is our desire to protect the privacy of our children and each other. Our goal is to raise our children in a joint, cooperative style as caring and loving parents,” the statement goes.
The split was finalized in November 2016. Stephanie reportedly received a Land Rover and a substantial cut on a one-time $293 thousand check.
Both parties decided to have no spousal or child support, while the custody of their three children was shared between the two parents. Stephanie also agreed to get nothing out of Steve’s $30 million lawsuit against USC. A case he lost in 2018.
The real reason behind Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian’s divorce remains unclear. Stephanie and Coach Sark also maintained silence throughout the years.
Who Is Steve Sarkisian Married to Now?
The Longhorns coach married Loreal Smith, a former Track and Field Coach, in 2020, four years after splitting with his first wife, Stephanie.
However, four years into their marriage, Sarkisian and Smith announced the end of their union on Instagram in July 2024.
“After many heartfelt conversations, we have decided to amicably part ways and jointly file for divorce,” their joint statement read.
Grateful for their years together, Steve and Loreal aim to “remain best friends” despite the split.
Is Stephanie Sarkisian Married?
What is Stephanie Sarkisian’s Net Worth?
Stephanie Sarkisian’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million as of 2024. Her income primarily comes from the divorce settlement with ex-husband Coach Sark.
Final Thoughts
When a marriage ends, it’s sure to leave a lasting mark on every person involved. Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian’s divorce after 18 years and having three children together is a tragic tale.
Yet, life has to go on. And both parties certainly found peace and moved on with their separate lives.
