Texas Longhorns football and the introduction of famous new kids on the block have been a recurring theme this spring. Alright, recurring may be a little hyperbolic. But it’s a theme nonetheless. On the gridiron, Arch Manning has finally blossomed out of the proverbial cocoon and is ready to spread his wings—courtesy of Redbull. Off-field, head coach Steve Sarkisian has just welcomed a son with his wife, Loreal Sarkisian. 

Sark and Loreal haven’t had a linear, smooth relationship. It’s seen its fair share of tumult, with the couple separating in ‘24 after their marriage 4 years prior. But like football, life moves on quickly, and, fortunately, so did the pair. They reconciled a short while after, and boy did they make sure to drive home their commitment. Loreal gave birth to their first child on April 5th. Days on from this brilliant bit of news, Steve Sarkisian has publicly revealed his name.

During a spring camp press conference, Coach Sark announced that his second son and fourth kid overall was called Amays. Right off the bat, Sarkisian was asked to enunciate the rather exotic name. Those southern Texan accents he deals with on the daily sure need it! “Amaya with an S, Amays!” said a cheery Sark. Well, if this is going to be the 2046 Longhorns’ QB1, the media and fans have time to get the hang of it. Steve Sarkisian’s older son, Brady Sarkisian, is a linebacker for Texas already. 

Sark, now 51, is also a father to two daughters, Taylor and Ashley, with ex-wife Stephanie, whom he divorced in 2016. There are plenty of hands on deck in the Sarkisian clan to take care of baby Amays as the two parents look after their professional escapades. Loreal is a personal stylist who’s worked closely with a number of high-profile clients. Her eminence in the fashion world has only ascended since she began showing off her chic drip on Texas gamedays. As for Sark, he’s sure got a lot on his plate. But best believe Amays takes precedence between now and fall—at least subconsciously.

Quite fascinatingly, Loreal Sarkisian managed to keep the news of her pregnancy away from the public lens. It was only after she gave birth that the masses came to know of this. Naturally, there was also concern for the mother amidst the gush of joy that followed her initial IG announcement. After the emotions settled down a little, Loreal gave an update about this life-altering juncture she’s at as a first-time mother.

Loreal thanks fans of Steve Sarkisian and Texas for their support

The cliche gets thrown around too loosely, but becoming a mother is truly an emotion that cannot be expressed—just felt. Giving life to someone who’s intrinsically bonded to you and redefines the meaning of love is a transcendent experience and the greatest joy in the world. However, this unparalleled joy often exacts a cost. Postpartum issues are very real. Loreal Sarkisian addressed people who sent her their best wishes after the birth of Amays.

“Hi guys, happy Saturday. Sorry for the bare face… I’ll be back to the regular scheduled program sooner than later. But for now, I just want to say thank you so much to all of our close friends and family… And, of course, to all of the new fashionista friends and Longhorns nation,” said Loreal in a video posted to her IG handle. It’s kind of fortunate to be married to a revered figure such as Steve Sarkisian in times such as this. Congratulatory words of support from strangers are never in short supply.

Hopefully, the couple and the kid are doing just perfectly. There are some long nights in the pipeline for the couple as they settle into this new chapter of life. Steve Sarkisian’s experience orchestrating offenses wouldn’t go far in quelling Amays when he wakes up crying in the middle of the night! But alas, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Becoming a dad at this more settled, more assured stage of his coaching career has to feel great.