When people talk about famous football coach Steve Sarkisian, most focus on his wins, his career, and his team—the Texas Longhorns. But behind every big name, there’s often someone who helped build that journey from the very beginning.
That person was Stephanie Sarkisian, Steve’s first wife. She stood beside him for nearly 20 years, long before the big stadiums and loud cheers. While Steve’s life was often in the spotlight, Stephanie chose a very different path—quiet, caring, and focused on her family.
In this article, we’ll explore who Stephanie Sarkisian really is. We’ll look at her early life, how she met Steve, what life was like during their marriage, and what she’s doing now. Her story is one of love, strength, and starting over.
Stephanie Sarkisian Quick Bio
| Full Name | Stephanie Yamamoto Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1974 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Ethnicity | Asian (Japanese roots) |
| Education | West High School; Degrees from USC and UCLA |
| Profession | Teacher and School Administrator |
| Known For | First wife of football coach Steve Sarkisian |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Steve Sarkisian, 1997–2016) |
| Children | Ashley, Taylor, and Brady Sarkisian |
| Current Residence | United States (private life) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Around $1 million |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
Early Life and Background of Stephanie Sarkisian
Stephanie Sarkisian was born on March 8, 1974, in Japan. She moved to the United States as a child with her family. Her background is Japanese-American, and she proudly carries both cultures in her heart.
From a young age, Stephanie learned to value things like hard work, honesty, and education. Her family was close, and they believed in supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. These lessons stayed with her and helped shape the strong woman she is today.
She went to West High School, where she was known for being kind and focused. She was not the type to chase fame or attention. Instead, she quietly worked hard and dreamed of helping others—especially through education.
Stephanie Sarkisian’s Education Journey
Stephanie’s love for learning didn’t stop after high school. She went on to study at two well-known universities—USC (University of Southern California) and UCLA. These schools are known for their great programs, and Stephanie made the most of the chance to grow and learn.
Her goal was to become a teacher, and she followed that dream with dedication. She believed that education could change lives. Her calm nature and kind heart made her perfect for working with students.
Even today, her passion for helping others can be seen in her work. Education is not just a job for Stephanie—it’s a calling. She has used it to guide young people and give back to her community.
How Stephanie Met Steve Sarkisian
Stephanie met Steve Sarkisian in college during the early 1990s. Steve was a young football player at USC, dreaming of playing professionally. Stephanie was focused on her studies, working hard to build a career in education.
They became close and quickly built a strong connection. It wasn’t about fame or football at the time—it was about respect, love, and shared values. In 1997, they got married.
At that time, Steve’s career in football was just beginning. Stephanie supported him from the very start. She believed in his dreams and was there for him through every step, whether it was wins, losses, or life changes.
Life as Steve Sarkisian’s Wife
Being married to a football coach can be very hard. The long hours, busy travel, and constant pressure are not easy for any family. But Stephanie Sarkisian handled it all with grace.
While Steve was focused on coaching teams like the USC Trojans and the Washington Huskies, Stephanie kept the home strong. She made sure their children were cared for, their schedule stayed on track, and everything at home was steady.
She didn’t care about fame or attention. She stayed in the background, helping her husband and raising their family. Many people close to them say Stephanie was the one holding everything together—like the glue that kept it all from falling apart.
Stephanie Sarkisian and Steve’s Children
Stephanie and Steve have three children together—Ashley, Taylor, and Brady Sarkisian. These three have been the center of Stephanie’s world for years.
Ashley, their oldest daughter, is very smart and focused, just like her mom. She studied International Relations at New York University (NYU) and is also learning languages like Spanish and Portuguese.
Taylor is more private. She’s now married and has started her own family. Even though she doesn’t share much with the public, Stephanie is said to be very proud of the woman she’s become.
Brady, the youngest, is following in his dad’s footsteps. He’s a talented football player and joined the Texas Longhorns in 2023. Growing up with a coach as a father and a strong mom like Stephanie gave him a good balance of passion and support.
Stephanie has always made sure her children know they are loved and supported—whether it’s helping them with school or cheering them on from the sidelines.
Why Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian Got Divorced
After almost two decades of marriage, Stephanie and Steve decided to separate in 2015. The divorce was finalized in 2016. The reason given was irreconcilable differences, which means they couldn’t agree on some big life issues.
They didn’t share many details, which showed respect for each other and for their children. In a short joint statement, they said they wanted to co-parent with kindness and keep their children safe from the public eye.
Divorce is never easy, especially after such a long marriage. But Stephanie stayed strong. She focused on her kids and her own life, showing again how much strength she carries in her heart.
Stephanie Sarkisian After Divorce
After the divorce, Stephanie Sarkisian did not try to get back in the spotlight. Instead, she chose a quiet and peaceful path. She focused on what mattered most—her children and her own well-being.
She did not remarry and has kept her private life truly private. In a time when many people share everything online, Stephanie stays offline. She doesn’t use public social media and avoids interviews. This helps her keep her personal world calm and simple.
Stephanie’s life after her divorce shows how strong she is. Even though her life changed in a big way, she stayed steady. She built a peaceful life around her children, her work, and the values she always believed in.
Stephanie Sarkisian’s Career as a Teacher
Teaching has always been a big part of Stephanie Sarkisian’s heart. She became a teacher and later worked as a school administrator. She loves helping students grow and learn. Her work touches many lives—even if it’s not in the news.
Stephanie doesn’t just teach inside the classroom. She also takes part in programs that raise awareness about important causes, like breast cancer and AIDS. She believes in helping people, not just in school, but in the community too.
Her students say she is patient, kind, and always ready to listen. To them, she is not just a teacher—she is someone who truly cares. In her own quiet way, Stephanie Sarkisian continues to make a real difference.
Where Is Stephanie Sarkisian Now?
In 2025, Stephanie Sarkisian is living a quiet and fulfilling life. She continues to work in education and enjoys time with her grown children. Watching them succeed in school, sports, and family life brings her happiness.
She does not attend public events or appear in the media. You won’t find her posting pictures or sharing details about her life online. That’s her choice—and one that shows how much she values peace and privacy.
While many people chase fame or attention, Stephanie proves that it’s okay to live a life off the stage. Her calm and private way of living is something many people respect.
Stephanie Sarkisian’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Stephanie Sarkisian’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This amount comes from her work as a teacher and school leader, and likely also from her divorce settlement with Steve Sarkisian.
While Steve’s net worth is higher (around $5 million), Stephanie’s wealth is a sign of her hard work and independence. She didn’t get rich by being famous. She built a stable life by staying focused, smart, and steady.
Money has never been the main goal for Stephanie. But the comfort she’s built for herself and her children is something to be proud of.
Final Thoughts
The story of Stephanie Sarkisian is not flashy. It’s not full of fame, parties, or big headlines. But it is full of heart. She is a woman who stayed true to herself, supported her family, and built a good life even after heartbreak.
She was once known as the wife of a famous coach. Now, she is known for something even better—being a loving mother, a wise teacher, and a strong woman who keeps moving forward no matter what.
Her story reminds us that you don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You don’t have to be famous to be inspiring. Stephanie Sarkisian shows us that quiet strength, love for family, and a kind heart can make a life truly meaningful.
