In the world of American football, names like Steve Sarkisian echo loudly through the halls of college stadiums and locker rooms. Known for his roles as a quarterback and later a high-profile coach, Sarkisian has built a career defined by discipline, dedication, and grit. But behind the headlines and press conferences, there’s a quieter narrative—one that centers around a woman who once stood beside him at the very beginning of his journey: Stephanie Sarkisian. While Steve’s professional trajectory has been widely documented, Stephanie’s life has remained largely out of the public eye. In this article, we dive into the untold story of Steve’s first wife, exploring where Stephanie Sarkisian is now, what happened after the couple’s separation, and how she has navigated life beyond the football spotlight.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Stephanie Yamamoto Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1974 |
| Age (2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Ethnicity | Asian (Japanese-American) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Education | USC, UCLA |
| Occupation | Teacher, School Administrator |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Steve Sarkisian |
| Children | Ashley, Taylor, Brady |
| Current Residence | Seattle, Washington |
| Social Media | Not Active |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1 million – $1.5 million |
Early Life and Background of Stephanie Sarkisian
Little is publicly known about Stephanie Sarkisian’s early life, which is fitting given the overall discretion she has maintained throughout the years. What we do know is that Stephanie and Steve met during their youth, long before the spotlight of collegiate sports and coaching contracts. The two got married in 1997, a time when Steve was still establishing himself as a young man chasing his dreams in football.
Stephanie was by Steve’s side during his days as a player at BYU (Brigham Young University) and early on in his professional coaching career. Their partnership was not just emotional; it was foundational. Like many coach’s spouses, she was often behind the scenes managing the household, raising children, and providing the kind of moral support that allowed her husband to thrive professionally.
Marriage to Steve Sarkisian: A Journey Through Football

The marriage of Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian coincided with one of the most demanding periods in Steve’s life. As he transitioned from being a player to a coach, Stephanie played an essential support role. Moving from city to city, managing family affairs, and adjusting to the uncertainties of a coaching career is no small feat. The couple raised three children during this time, all while managing the pressures of a growing public profile.
As Steve began to climb the ranks—first as a quarterbacks coach, then as an offensive coordinator, and later as head coach—Stephanie was his rock. Her sacrifices often went unnoticed in media narratives but were critical to the family’s stability during transitions from one coaching job to another.
The Separation: End of a Private Partnership
In 2015, the couple filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage. The news came as a shock to many, especially considering the intense spotlight that was already on Steve due to his role as head coach at the University of Southern California (USC) at the time. Their separation coincided with a challenging period for Steve, who faced personal and professional setbacks during that time.
Despite the media attention surrounding Steve’s career, the couple kept the details of their divorce private. There were no public scandals, no contentious court battles—just a quiet and respectful parting of ways. For Stephanie Sarkisian, the divorce marked a turning point—a chance to begin anew away from the noise of sports media and public scrutiny.
Life After Divorce: A Low-Profile Existence

So where is Stephanie Sarkisian now? Unlike many ex-spouses of high-profile public figures, Stephanie has intentionally stayed out of the limelight. She has no known public social media accounts, does not participate in interviews, and hasn’t leveraged her association with Steve Sarkisian for fame or business opportunities. This level of privacy is rare and admirable in an age where public exposure is often seen as a currency.
According to limited reports and anecdotal accounts, Stephanie continues to focus on her family. She is believed to reside in California, close to her children. Her primary role today is that of a mother, ensuring her children’s lives remain as grounded as possible despite their father’s high-profile career. Those close to her describe Stephanie as humble, supportive, and deeply protective of her privacy and family life.
Raising Children Away From the Spotlight
One of Stephanie’s most important and enduring roles has been as a mother. Together with Steve, she has three children: two daughters and a son. Since the divorce, Stephanie has taken on the bulk of parental responsibilities, especially during Steve’s periods of intense professional commitment and relocation. Parenting in the shadow of a public figure brings its own challenges, but Stephanie has managed it with grace.
She has reportedly been deeply involved in her children’s education, extracurricular activities, and emotional well-being. By shielding them from excessive media exposure, she’s provided them with a more “normal” upbringing than might be expected for children of a high-profile couple.
The Emotional Toll of Public Life

Being married to a public figure—especially in the high-pressure world of American football—can take a serious emotional toll. While Steve Sarkisian’s struggles with alcohol and performance pressure have been well-documented, Stephanie’s emotional journey remains unspoken. However, any observer can imagine the sacrifices and emotional labor involved in supporting a spouse through such turbulent times.
Her decision to maintain a low profile after the divorce suggests a woman who values peace, stability, and family over fame or recognition. It’s likely that Stephanie has engaged in her own process of healing and rediscovery in the years since the separation.
Public Perception and Media Silence
One of the most fascinating aspects of Stephanie Sarkisian’s story is how little is known or discussed about her in the media. In a world where ex-wives of celebrities often become influencers, reality TV stars, or authors, Stephanie has chosen the road less traveled. Her refusal to capitalize on her past speaks volumes about her character and values.
The silence has also created an air of mystery, with occasional online forums and blog posts wondering about her whereabouts. But unlike many who chase relevance, Stephanie appears to have found peace in anonymity—a rare accomplishment in today’s hyper-digital world.
Comparisons with Steve Sarkisian’s Current Life

After their divorce, Steve Sarkisian rebuilt his career and personal life. He currently serves as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns and has publicly moved on with a new relationship. While Steve’s journey has been one of redemption and reinvention in public, Stephanie’s path has been quieter but no less significant.
Rather than being remembered solely as “Steve Sarkisian’s ex-wife,” Stephanie is an example of strength and dignity—qualities that are often overlooked but deeply important. She represents the many unsung spouses who support their partners in silence, sacrificing their own ambitions for the sake of family.
Legacy and Lessons from Stephanie Sarkisian’s Life
While her public presence is minimal, Stephanie Sarkisian’s legacy is embedded in the life she helped build and the values she has modeled for her children. Her decision to lead a private, grounded life offers a counter-narrative to the celebrity culture that often surrounds sports and entertainment.
She reminds us that not all stories need to be told in interviews or Instagram posts. Some lives are lived in quiet strength, with resilience forged in private struggles and victories unseen. Stephanie Sarkisian may not be a public figure, but her story resonates with many who have chosen family, peace, and privacy over fame.
Final Thoughts: Where Is Stephanie Sarkisian Now?
In answer to the question, “Where is Stephanie Sarkisian now?”—she is likely right where she has always been: focused on her family, living with intention, and staying far away from the chaotic spotlight of celebrity life. Her story might not be splashed across headlines, but it is no less important. Stephanie’s grace, humility, and strength offer a powerful reminder that true dignity often lies in choosing not to speak, not to post, and not to seek validation from the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Stephanie Sarkisian?
- Stephanie Sarkisian is the ex-wife of college football coach Steve Sarkisian. The couple was married for 18 years before divorcing in 2015.
2. Do Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian have children?
- Yes, they have three children together—two daughters and one son.
3. Why did Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian divorce?
- The exact reasons for their divorce were never publicly disclosed. However, it coincided with a turbulent time in Steve’s career, including personal struggles.
4. Where is Stephanie Sarkisian now?
- Stephanie Sarkisian lives a private life, believed to be in California, focused primarily on raising her children away from the public eye.
5. Is Stephanie Sarkisian active on social media or in the public?
- No, she has maintained a very low public profile and is not active on any known public social media platforms.