Loreal Sarkisian Is Steve Sarkisian Wife Who Was a Coach before Becoming a Fashion Stylist

Loreal Sarkisian was born into an athletically-inclined family and initially led a career in sports, but she also grew up with a strong fashion influence. She transitioned smoothly into the role of a stylist while managing her philanthropic endeavors.

Steve Sarkisian's wife, Loreal Sarkisian, drew her first breath in Tallahassee, Florida, on September 30, 1985, born to Loretta and Michael Smith. She grew up with four siblings named Michael Jr., Mallex, and Lauren, all of whom pursued different sports.

She was also athletically gifted and grew up to pursue a professional sports career, even graduating with a degree in the industry. Now based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Texas Longhorns coach's wife is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Loreal Sarkisian Was a Track & Field Assistant Coach

Loreal started as a volunteer assistant coach in Florida after graduating from North Carolina A&T State University. She attained a Sports Science and Fitness Management degree with a 3.33 GPA, and while managing her studies, she also excelled as a hurdler.

Loreal reached the semifinals in the women's 100m HH at the Olympic U.S. Trials in 2012 and was placed in seventh place at the 2009 NCAA Championships in the 100m HH. She collected many other accolades in her athletic career while advocating for causes such as AIDS and Breast Cancer.

She then took her position as the Track and Field Assistant Coach at the University of South Carolina and led many philanthropic initiatives with the institution's Track and Field Team. It's unclear how long she remained affiliated with USC, but she has stepped back from the sports industry.

Now Loreal Sarkisian Is an Experienced Fashion Stylist

She launched her business, Styled By Loreal, LLC, in January 2018, transitioning smoothly into a fashion-focused endeavor. Her services included helping clients re-invent or enhance their style, closet clean-ups, and even helping her customers pack for travel.

Speaking about what inspired her to start her enterprise, Loreal credited her mother, Loretta, a former high school track and field coach and seamstress. She inherited her love for Fine Arts and clothes and grew up accompanying Loretta to buy all kinds of fabrics.

Loreal would also witness her mother's creative process in awe and fascination and now enjoys her own as she experiments with different textures and styles. Much like Mandana Bolourchi and Matthew Lillard's wife, Heather Healm, she also continued her philanthropy.

Steve Sarkisian and Loreal Smith Married in 2020

Before Steve met Loreal, he was married to another woman for an unknown number of years. The former couple legally dissolved their union in 2015 after welcoming three children named Taylor, Ashley, and Brady.

It's unclear when Steve began his romance with Loreal or how long they were together, but the lovers tied the knot in June 2020 amid the Coronavirus pandemic. After Steve became head coach at the University of Texas, they moved to and now reside in Austin.

When last year marked their second anniversary as a married couple, Loreal shared a touching tribute to her husband on Instagram. Alongside a thread of stunning wedding photos, she wished her husband a "happy anniversary," adding:

"If I did anything in my life right, it was when I gave my heart to you! Praying for many more years of love, peace, and happiness! I love you so much [kissy face emoji]."

During her two-part interview with KVUE, shortly after moving to Austin, Loreal spoke about how she planned to give back to the women and children who needed help in the city and the UT community.

She added that as the head coach's wife, she gained "so many sons" that she wanted to help grow into better men. Loreal also revealed her goals to be an active member within the UT, working with the alumnae community and donors to help better drive her husband's team and the institution forward.