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08 January 2025

Walker Kessler Celebrates Girlfriend Abbie Stockard's Miss America Win

Star NBA player shares joy and pride for his girlfriend after her crowning event.

Utah Jazz star Walker Kessler was overwhelmed with joy when his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, was crowned Miss America 2025 during the annual beauty pageant held at Walt Disney World. Dressing up as Miss Alabama, Stockard captured both the crowd’s and Kessler’s hearts, marking the occasion as one to be remembered.

The excitement unfolded as Kessler was watching the Miss America pageant on his phone with Jazz coach Will Hardy at their dinner table on January 5, 2025. Just as the winners were announced, Kessler's reaction was priceless. He dropped his phone and put his hand on his head, astonished, as Hardy congratulated him loudly, exclaiming, "Oh, she won! Let’s go!"

Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student at Auburn University and former cheerleader, became the fourth contestant from Alabama to take home the prestigious Miss America title, which includes $50,000 scholarship money. Her win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it showcased her dedication to her charity initiatives, including raising awareness and funding for cystic fibrosis, inspired by her best friend who suffers from the condition.

Kessler, currently in his third NBA season and averaging impressive stats for the Jazz, managed to attend the pageant after playing against the Orlando Magic on the same day. The Jazz secured a 105-92 victory, which allowed Kessler to rush to celebrate Stockard's crowning immediately after. His performance on the court included 10 points and 17 rebounds, contributing to his team's much-needed win.

Both Kessler and Stockard shared their warmth and gratitude across social media following the event. Kessler took to Instagram, sharing, "Congratulations Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for. Your hard work and trust in the Lord has awarded you with this incredible opportunity! Use your light to shine on others around you! Love you." He later noted how much it meant for him to witness her success firsthand.

Stockard, too, expressed her happiness about Kessler's presence during the event. She replied, "Walker! I love you❤️ you showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life’s journeys we get to go on together." The couple, whose birthdays fall on July 26, has shared many moments together, including meaningful milestones throughout Stockard’s pageant career.

The Miss America pageant has long served as more than just a beauty contest; it has become a platform for women to advocate for issues close to their hearts. Stockard, who had been crowned Miss Alabama six months prior, emphasized her mission to use her title to reflect positivity and bring light to those around her. She told her followers on Instagram just prior to the event, "I am ECSTATIC and so expectant for the experience ahead! Thank you to everyone for all of the sweet messages of encouragement!"

Her crowning moment was undoubtedly influenced not just by her beauty and grace, but by her commitment to service and the healing professions, as she intends to specialize in pediatrics after completing her studies. At Auburn, she rekindled her love for pageants, having only started competing at 19, which adds to the significance of her recent accolade.

Stockard’s stunning success at Miss America garnered national attention, showcasing the support from her peers and the Auburn University community, as her achievements inspire many young women aiming to make meaningful contributions. Her story intersects beautifully with Kessler's athletic path, highlighting the couple's dynamic lives—one rooted firmly in sports, the other blossoming through beauty and advocacy.

Both figures brought joy and success to their respective fields. Kessler, who was drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the Jazz, has asserted himself as one of the league's standout players, showcasing his skills with impressive stats such as 10.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, and finishing last season on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

The celebration of Stockard's title is more than just personal glory; it also reflects the unyielding support she receives from Kessler and the solid foundation they are building together. Moments like these remind us of the beauty of love and partnership amid the pressures of public life.

Abbie Stockard’s crowning as Miss America 2025 not only highlights her individual accomplishments but heralds the merging of two impressive fields: beauty and sports. With Walker Kessler by her side, both of their journeys are set to flourish as they support one another through their dreams.