No one was more excited about Abbie Stockard’s Miss America 2025 win than her boyfriend, star Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 7-foot NBA star posted a heartfelt tribute to the Alabama nursing student, who was crowned Miss America on Sunday in Orlando, the same day the Jazz took down the Magic in central Florida, 105-92.
“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,” Kessler, 23, gushed in the post, which also featured the moment he learned of Stockard’s win.
Kessler was watching the broadcast on his phone and dropped it in shocked delight after Stockard’s name was announced.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 7, 2025
Kessler, currently in his third season with the Jazz, also embraced Stockard, 22, after her triumph.
The Auburn cheerleader was named Miss Alabama last June.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s ceremony in Orlando, Stockard chronicled her journey on social media.
“I am ECSTATIC and so expectant for the experience ahead!” she exclaimed on Instagram in late December. “Thank you to everyone for all of the sweet messages and words of encouragement! I truly am so appreciative for all of the support. I feel like the most celebrated girl in the state!”
Kessler, a first-round pick out of Auburn in the 2022 NBA Draft, has been along for the ride for some time.
Though it’s unclear when the couple began dating, Stockard and Kessler rang in the new year together in Utah last January.
“Excited to start the new year with you,” he commented on her Instagram page at the time.
The couple also shares a July 26 birthday.
Originally selected 22nd overall by the Grizzlies in June 2022, Kessler was then traded to the Timberwolves.
Weeks later, he was part of a multi-player trade that saw Minnesota acquire Rudy Gobert from Utah.
Kessler is currently averaging 10.4 points per game, 11.3 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per game.
