Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler hasn’t been doing a lot of winning on the court but his girlfriend Abbie Stockard is killing it off it. Stockard was named Miss America 2025 on Sunday at the annual pageant, which was held in Orlando, Florida.
The 22-year-old Stockard beat out 51 other contestants to win the crown, with Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo finishing runner-up. She was named among the 11 finalists on Friday and took home the award and $50,000 in scholarship money two days later.
Stockard made it to the grand event after being crowned Miss Alabama in June 2024. She is the fourth Miss Alabama to win the grand award after Deidre Downs in 2005, Heather Whitestone in 1995, and Yolande Betbeze in 1951.
Stockard, a nursing student at Auburn University, was also one of six contestants to win the AHA Go Red for Women Leadership Award. It’s an award for those who promote women’s heart health and it wasn’t all too surprising that she won it considering her background.
Kessler wasn’t able to attend the event, as he had a game in Orlando against the Magic on Sunday. He was watching on with Jazz head coach Will Hardy, though, and his reaction to Stockard winning the award went viral.
Walker Kessler watching his girlfriend Abbie Stockard win Miss America while at dinner with Will Hardy is unbelievable content.
(🎥 Kessler’s IG)#TakeNote | @utahjazz pic.twitter.com/1J8ZssN2iE
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 7, 2025
Kessler must have been ever so proud. Stockard now commences her yearlong reign, during which she’ll make public appearances across the country, serve as a brand ambassador for Miss America, and promote “Be the Change – Find a Cure” a cystic fibrosis awareness campaign.
As for Kessler, he has been impressive on the court. The 23-year-old is averaging 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game in 2024-25. Despite Kessler’s best efforts, the Jazz are currently 14th in the Western Conference with a 9-25 record. The only way he’ll start winning is if he gets traded and some of the better teams around the league are interested in him.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Jazz were reportedly close to completing a Kessler trade this past offseason. They might try for him again before the Feb. 6 deadline, as they’re still in need of a big man.
Who Is Abbie Stockard?
Abbie was born to Brad Stockard and Kim Stockard on July 26, 2002, in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She has a twin brother, Bradley Stockard, and a younger sister, Lilly Stockard.
Abbie started learning dancing at the age of two and it has served her well in life. She made the Rebelette Dance Team at Vestavia High School and also danced in talent competitions at Miss Alabama and Miss America.
After graduating high school, Abbie headed to the University of Auburn to major in nursing. Her goal is to earn The Doctor of Nursing Practice, the highest practice degree in nurse anesthesia, and specialize in pediatrics.
You’d assume it was at Auburn that Stockard and Kessler, who share a birthday, crossed paths. He transferred to Auburn in 2021 and spent a year at the college. It is unclear when and how they started dating but they have been together for over a year, as evidenced by her Instagram post from Jan. 2024.
Here’s hoping this couple stays together forever. Kessler would probably love to celebrate her triumph for a while, but he will soon have to turn his attention to the court, as the Jazz take on the Atlanta Hawks at Delta Center on Tuesday at 9 PM ET.
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