Stephanie Sarkisian‘s story may not be as widely recognized as Steve Sarkisian‘s ex wife, the celebrated football coach currently at the helm of the University of Texas Longhorns, but her life has nonetheless been intertwined with his, particularly through their nearly two-decade-long marriage. While Steve Sarkisian has become a well-known figure in the world of college football, Stephanie played an important role in his personal life, raising a family alongside him and supporting his career through both triumphs and challenges. Their subsequent divorce and Steve’s new marriage added another layer of complexity to this story, making it a captivating narrative of personal growth, public life, and moving on.
Meeting Steve Sarkisian: The Beginning of a Football Family
Stephanie Sarkisian’s life changed when she met Steve Sarkisian in the late 1990s. At the time, Steve was building a promising career as a quarterback in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and later in college football, serving as a coach at various universities. The couple shared a common bond through their deep love for family, and Stephanie quickly became an integral part of Steve’s personal and professional journey. Their marriage in 1997 was the beginning of a chapter filled with both highs and lows, as they navigated the rigors of building a career in sports together.
From the outset, it was clear that football would play a significant role in their lives. Steve Sarkisian’s passion for the game grew over time, culminating in an impressive career trajectory that saw him transition from a player to an assistant coach, and eventually into high-profile head coaching roles at institutions like the University of Washington, the University of Southern California (USC), and, most recently, the University of Texas.
During this period, Stephanie played the role of the supportive spouse, helping to maintain the family’s stability through the constant relocations, changes in job roles, and the immense pressure that comes with being in the public eye. Together, they had three children, and it was clear that family was at the core of their values.
However, as Steve’s career advanced, so too did the strain on their marriage.
The Rise of Steve Sarkisian’s Career and the Toll on Their Marriage
As Steve climbed the coaching ranks, his life became increasingly consumed by the demands of college football. Coaching at the elite level, particularly at powerhouse programs like USC, comes with immense pressure to perform. Steve’s role as the head coach of the USC Trojans, one of the most storied programs in college football history, thrust him into the national spotlight.
With this newfound fame came additional stresses—long hours, frequent travel, and constant media scrutiny. For Stephanie, this period must have been incredibly challenging. While Steve’s professional success brought financial rewards and public recognition, the personal cost was evident. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to their three children while also providing emotional support to a high-profile spouse likely stretched their relationship thin.
Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at USC was tumultuous. In 2015, his personal struggles came to light, including issues with alcohol consumption that eventually led to his dismissal from the program. During this period, Steve openly acknowledged that the stress of his job had impacted his behavior and choices, which may have affected his marriage to Stephanie.
Divorce: Steve Sarkisian’s ex wife
In 2015, after 18 years of marriage, Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian made the difficult decision to divorce. Although the details of their separation were kept largely private, the timing aligned with some of the most challenging moments in Steve’s professional life, including his departure from USC. While Steve battled personal and professional demons, Stephanie was left to pick up the pieces of their shared life, adjusting to life as a single mother and navigating the emotional complexities of the situation.
Divorce is never easy, especially after such a long marriage. The dissolution of their union undoubtedly had an impact on their children as well. However, throughout the process, both Stephanie and Steve appeared committed to maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of their family, particularly their kids. Steve publicly expressed his gratitude for Stephanie’s support and emphasized the importance of their roles as co-parents.
Though their marriage ended, it is clear that Stephanie Sarkisian remained a significant part of Steve’s life in terms of co-parenting and support, as their children were always a central focus of their relationship.
Steve Sarkisian’s New Marriage: Moving Forward
In 2020, Steve Sarkisian made headlines again—not for football this time, but for his second marriage. He married Loreal Smith Sarkisian, a former collegiate track star and accomplished coach. Loreal, known for her own athletic accomplishments and her work as an assistant coach with the University of Southern California’s track and field team, brought her own experiences with sports and coaching to the relationship. She also carved a niche for herself as a fashion consultant in the sports world, working with athletes and coaches on their public appearances.
Steve and Loreal’s relationship marked a fresh start for Steve after a tumultuous period in his life. Their shared experience in high-level athletics and coaching created a strong foundation for their marriage, allowing them to understand the unique pressures that come with a career in sports. Steve’s personal transformation, which included seeking help for his issues with alcohol, likely contributed to his ability to enter into this new chapter with a healthier mindset.
While Steve found love again, the media coverage surrounding his second marriage brought renewed attention to Stephanie. Despite their divorce, the couple’s past together continues to be part of Steve’s narrative, as the public often compares different phases of his life.
Stephanie Sarkisian’s Life After Divorce: A Private Journey
Unlike her ex-husband, Stephanie Sarkisian has maintained a relatively low profile since their divorce. While Steve’s professional life kept him in the public eye, Stephanie seems to have prioritized privacy and focusing on her children. Her primary role has been that of a mother, ensuring that her children are raised in a stable environment, despite the very public nature of their father’s career.
It is unclear whether Stephanie has pursued new personal or professional endeavors in the years since the divorce. However, what is evident is that she has remained a central figure in her children’s lives, continuing to co-parent with Steve in a way that has allowed their family to maintain some sense of normalcy.
The Lasting Legacy of Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian’s Relationship
While their marriage ultimately did not last, Stephanie Sarkisian will always be a part of Steve’s journey. The nearly two decades they spent together helped shape who Steve became—both as a father and a coach—Their time together also allowed Stephanie to raise a family and support a spouse with a demanding and highly public career.
Divorce, though painful, can often lead to growth. For both Stephanie and Steve, the end of their marriage may have allowed them to pursue new paths that ultimately led to personal fulfillment. Steve’s second marriage to Loreal Smith Sarkisian seems to be a testament to the personal changes he has undergone since 2015. Meanwhile, Stephanie has demonstrated grace and resilience, living her life away from the spotlight while still being a dedicated mother to her children.
In the end, both Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian have carved out new chapters in their lives, each finding ways to move forward after the end of their marriage. Their story is a reminder that even in the world of fame and high stakes, personal growth and healing are possible, and sometimes, parting ways can open the door to new beginnings.
Conclusion
Stephanie Sarkisian’s life may not be as widely publicized as her ex-husband’s, but her role in supporting Steve Sarkisian throughout his football coaching career and raising their children is significant. Their nearly two-decade-long marriage saw its share of triumphs and challenges, especially in the face of Steve’s demanding career and personal struggles. The divorce, though difficult, led both individuals to new paths—Steve Sarkisian’s public recovery and remarriage to Loreal Smith, and Stephanie’s quiet, steadfast focus on her children and private life. While Stephanie has chosen to step away from the public spotlight, her impact on Steve’s journey remains a part of his story. Their shared dedication to family and co-parenting is a testament to their ability to move forward and grow after the end of their marriage.
FAQs
- How long were Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian married?
- Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian were married for 18 years, from 1997 to 2015, before deciding to divorce.
- Why did Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian divorce?
- The exact reasons for their divorce have not been publicly detailed, but their separation came at a time when Steve was facing professional and personal challenges, including issues with alcohol, which he openly addressed.
- Did Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian have children together?
- Yes, they had three children together. Despite their divorce, they have continued to co-parent and remain dedicated to their children’s well-being.
- Who is Steve Sarkisian’s current wife?
- Steve Sarkisian married Loreal Smith Sarkisian in 2020. Loreal is a former track athlete and coach who now works as a fashion consultant in the sports industry.
- What has Stephanie Sarkisian been doing since the divorce?
- Stephanie has largely stayed out of the public eye since her divorce from Steve. Her primary focus appears to be on raising her children and maintaining her privacy.
