Behind many successful figures, there is often a story of unwavering support and quiet strength. For nearly two decades, Stephanie Sarkisian was that person for college football coach Steve Sarkisian. While Steve’s career has been highly publicized, Stephanie has remained a private individual, dedicated to her family and career. This is the untold story of Steve Sarkisian’s first wife, a woman of resilience, intelligence, and grace.
Who is Stephanie Sarkisian?
Stephanie Sarkisian, born Stephanie Yamamoto, is a woman of Japanese-American heritage. While some sources state she was born in Los Angeles, California, others indicate she was born in Japan before her family relocated to the United States. This mixed heritage has shaped her identity, blending cultural influences and values.
Growing up, Stephanie’s family instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility, a passion for education, and the importance of close family ties. These values would become the bedrock of her life, guiding her through the challenges of a high-profile marriage and the journey of motherhood.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on March 8, 1974, Stephanie’s early life was marked by a commitment to learning. She attended West High School, where her academic interests flourished. It was here that she would also meet her future husband, Steve Sarkisian.
After high school, Stephanie pursued higher education at two of California’s most prestigious universities: the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She earned degrees in education and school administration, laying the foundation for a successful career.
Stephanie’s passion for education led her to become a teacher and later a school administrator, where she dedicated herself to helping students grow and succeed. Beyond the classroom, she also contributed to community programs focused on important health issues, including breast cancer and AIDS awareness.
Meeting Steve Sarkisian: A High School Romance
The story of Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian began in the hallways of West High School in the early 1990s. They were high school sweethearts, their relationship blossoming through their teenage years. Their bond continued to strengthen through college, providing a foundation of shared history and mutual support.
In 1997, after graduating, the couple tied the knot, embarking on a new chapter of their lives together. This was the same year Steve began his professional football career, and Stephanie was by his side, ready to support his ambitions.
Life as a Football Coach’s Wife
The life of a football coach’s wife is often demanding, filled with long hours, frequent travel, and intense public scrutiny. Stephanie navigated these challenges with quiet strength and grace. She was a constant source of support for Steve as he climbed the coaching ranks, providing a stable and loving home life.
While Steve was in the spotlight, Stephanie worked behind the scenes, managing the family and creating a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of a high-profile career. Her unwavering support was instrumental in Steve’s professional growth, a contribution often overlooked in the male-dominated world of sports.
Every successful person has someone who supports them behind the scenes. For Steve Sarkisian, that person was Stephanie for nearly two decades. Her role as a stabilizing force allowed him the bandwidth to grow professionally during those critical years.
Building a Family Together
Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian have three children: Ashley, Brady, and Taylor. As a mother, Stephanie was the anchor of the family, ensuring her children were loved, supported, and shielded from the pressures of public life. She prioritized their well-being above all else, creating a nurturing environment for them to thrive.
Despite the demands of Steve’s career, Stephanie’s dedication to her children never wavered. She was a constant presence in their lives, guiding them with a steady hand and a loving heart. Her ability to balance family responsibilities while supporting a high-profile career demonstrates remarkable strength and commitment.
The Divorce: A Difficult Chapter
After nearly 18 years of marriage, Stephanie and Steve Sarkisian announced their decision to divorce in 2015. Stephanie filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court on April 20, 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2016.
In a joint statement, the couple expressed their desire to protect their children’s privacy and co-parent in a cooperative and loving manner. They stated their goal was to raise their children in a joint, cooperative style as caring and loving parents.
Despite the end of their marriage, they have maintained a respectful relationship, focused on the well-being of their children. This mature approach to co-parenting speaks volumes about both individuals and their commitment to their family.
Their Children’s Remarkable Achievements
Stephanie and Steve’s dedication to their children is evident in their remarkable achievements. Their eldest daughter, Ashley Sarkisian, is a 2024 graduate of New York University with a degree in International Relations and minors in Spanish and Portuguese. A former high school volleyball and beach volleyball captain at Sage Hill High School, she also delivered a TEDx talk on modern technology consumption. Ashley is now pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Texas School of Law, demonstrating her commitment to academic and professional excellence.
Their son, Brady Sarkisian, is following in his father’s footsteps on the football field. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 230 pounds, this talented linebacker joined the University of Texas Longhorns as a preferred walk-on in 2023. During his senior year at Corona del Mar High School, he recorded impressive statistics including 33 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Brady is majoring in Sociology while continuing to develop his athletic skills.
The youngest, Taylor Sarkisian, maintains a private life but remains a cherished member of the family. She turned 16 in April 2024 and is often described as “Papa Steve’s baby girl.” While she keeps a low public profile, Taylor’s presence is valued within the family, offering quiet support and love.
Life After Divorce: Privacy and Strength
In an age of social media and public scrutiny, Stephanie Sarkisian has made a conscious choice to live a private life. She has no public social media presence and has avoided interviews and public appearances. This decision reflects her commitment to protecting her family and focusing on what truly matters.
Stephanie continues to live in California, where she has built a stable and independent life. With an estimated net worth of around $1 million to $1.5 million, she has achieved financial security through her career in education and the divorce settlement. This financial independence has allowed her to provide security and freedom for herself and her children.
Her life after divorce is a testament to her resilience and strength. Raising three children after a high-profile divorce requires dedication, especially when your ex-spouse remains in the national eye. Stephanie’s ability to maintain stability and privacy for her children speaks volumes about her character and priorities.
Stephanie Sarkisian’s Legacy and Character
Stephanie Sarkisian’s story is one of quiet strength, dignity, and unwavering dedication to her family. She is a woman who has navigated the challenges of a high-profile marriage and divorce with grace and resilience. Her legacy is not defined by her marriage to a famous football coach, but by her character and the life she has built for herself and her children.
In a world that often values fame and public attention, Stephanie’s choice to live a private life is a powerful statement. She has successfully preserved her anonymity in a digital age, a feat that is increasingly rare. She is not affiliated with any known businesses or organizations that draw public attention, and she appears to have no online presence under her maiden or married name.
Stephanie is a woman who has lived her truth, raised her children with love and support, and retained her dignity in the face of public scrutiny. Her story is an inspiration to many, particularly for women juggling personal and professional demands. It serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in the spotlight, but in the quiet moments of everyday life.
As more people search for her name in recent years, it becomes clear that her legacy is less about being “Steve Sarkisian’s ex-wife” and more about being a woman who lived her truth, raised her children, and retained her dignity in a world that often demands the opposite. Her life teaches important lessons about resilience, dedication, and the power of quiet strength.
