Loreal Sarkisian, also known as the first lady of Longhorns football, is the wife of Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the University of Texas at Austin football team. 

She has gained a following for her fashionable game-day looks, which have inspired fans to style themselves after her. 

Her transition from athlete to style icon has captivated her followers, leading many to want to know more about her background. 

In this article, we will provide an overview of Loreal Sarkisian’s background and her relationship with Steve Sarkisian.

Loreal Sarkisian’s family

Loreal Luciana Smith was born on September 30, 1985, in Tallahassee, Florida to Loretta and Michael Smith. 

She grew up in a family with a strong athletic background, with both her mother and siblings participating in various sports. Loretta Smith worked as a seamstress and high school track and field coach and coached her children in their respective sports. 

Loreal’s sister, Lauren, was a collegiate track and field athlete, while her older brother, Michael Smith Jr., played baseball. 

One of Loreal’s brothers, Mallex Smith, is a professional MLB outfielder. With such an athletic family, it’s no surprise that Loreal also has a background in sports and physical activity.

Loreal Sarkisian’s education and career

Loreal Smith, now known as Loreal Sarkisian, was a talented student-athlete and excelled in track and field, specifically as a hurdler, during her time at North Carolina A&T State University. 

She achieved impressive feats in the sport, including reaching the semifinals in the women’s 100m HH at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in sports science and fitness management in 2009, Loreal worked as an assistant track and field coach at the University of Southern California for a few seasons.

In recent years, Loreal has transitioned to entrepreneurial and fashion ventures, including operating her own business, Styled By Loreal, LLC, since 2018. 

As a personal stylist, she helps clients revamp their style and provides services such as closet clean-ups, apparel buying and selling, and packing assistance for travel. 

Loreal’s fashion sense has also garnered attention at Texas Longhorns football games, which she frequently attends as the wife of the head coach, Steve Sarkisian. Fans have even begun emulating her stylish looks, leading to her being referred to as #StyleGoals. 

In addition to her fashion career, Loreal is also dedicated to philanthropy and has used her platform to raise awareness for issues such as mental health, anti-bullying, and supporting youth.

Loreal Sarkisian and Steve Sarkisian’s relationship

Steve Sarkisian was previously married to Stephanie Sarkisian, with whom he has three children: Taylor, Ashley, and Brady. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2015. 

It is not publicly known how long Steve Sarkisian and Loreal Smith were in a relationship before they decided to get married. 

The couple tied the knot on June 28, 2020, and later moved to Texas when Steve was named the head football coach at the University of Texas at Austin.