Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz center, celebrated his girlfriend Abbie Stockard's victory as Miss America 2025. The couple coincidentally found themselves in Orlando, where Kessler played a game and Stockard won the pageant. Stockard, a nursing student and cheerleader, is the fourth Miss Alabama to win the title, bringing home $50,000 in scholarship money. Kessler expressed his pride and admiration for Stockard's hard work and dedication.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler had a weekend to remember as he celebrated his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard's, crowning as Miss America 2025. The event took place in Orlando, coincidentally on the same night Kessler was playing against the Orlando Magic. Stockard's victory marks her as the fourth Miss Alabama to secure the prestigious title, alongside a $50,000 scholarship. Kessler's excitement was palpable as he witnessed her triumph, sharing his admiration for her dedication and achievements.
In a remarkable twist of fate, Walker Kessler found himself in Orlando, the same city where his girlfriend Abbie Stockard was competing in the Miss America pageant. On January 5, 2025, while Kessler was helping the Utah Jazz secure a win against the Orlando Magic, Stockard was being crowned Miss America at the Walt Disney Theater. Kessler's reaction was captured in a video as he watched the announcement alongside Jazz coach Will Hardy. "I'm not a big believer in coincidences," Kessler remarked, reflecting on how their paths aligned so perfectly on such a significant night [1] [2].
Abbie Stockard's path to becoming Miss America was not a conventional one. A nursing student and cheerleader at Auburn University, Stockard began participating in pageants only as a freshman. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she emerged victorious, becoming the fourth Miss Alabama to win the national title. Stockard's victory brings with it a $50,000 scholarship, which she plans to use towards her goal of becoming a pediatric nurse anesthetist. Her boyfriend, Walker Kessler, expressed his pride in her achievements, highlighting her commitment and the countless hours she dedicated to preparation [3] [4].
The relationship between Walker Kessler and Abbie Stockard began in an unexpected way. During Kessler's rookie season, his mother noticed Stockard during an Alabama-Auburn basketball game and encouraged her son to reach out to her. Initially hesitant, Kessler eventually contacted Stockard on Instagram, leading to their relationship. Reflecting on the moment, Kessler humorously credited his mother for the matchmaking. "Mom approves — she's definitely a very tough critic," Kessler shared, acknowledging his mother's role in introducing him to the future Miss America. The couple's story adds another layer of charm to Stockard's recent victory [2].
Walker Kessler's celebration of Abbie Stockard's Miss America win highlights a weekend filled with serendipity and joy. Their coincidental presence in Orlando underscores the unique bond between the couple, as Kessler continues to support Stockard's ambitions and achievements. Stockard's victory not only brings her personal accolades but also a significant scholarship to further her educational and career goals. The couple's story, marked by chance encounters and mutual support, continues to capture the hearts of many.
"Congratulations Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for." - Walker Kessler
"I was not aware of the amount of preparation that goes into all that stuff. She spends hours every day. … She killed it." - Walker Kessler
"Mom approves — she's definitely a very tough critic, as all moms are with their sons, but she definitely feels a chip on her shoulder with the fact that she picked her out." - Walker Kessler