Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler appeared to be in shock as his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, was crowned Miss America 2025.
In a celebratory post on Instagram, the 23-year-old NBA player shared a series of photos in honor of Stockard’s big win, including a video of him reacting to the news.
During the clip, Kessler watched the live ceremony as they announced the new Miss America title would be awarded to Miss Alabama, the position that Stockard, 22, held to compete in the pageant.
Kessler watched on his cell phone alongside Jazz head coach Will Hardy as they anxiously awaited the results. When Stockard was deemed the victor, Kessler jumped from his seat and took his hat off. He then stood in shock against the wall with his hand over his mouth.
“Oh, she won!” Hardy shouted. “Let’s go!”
“Congratulations Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for,” he captioned the post. “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’s teammate, Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh, joked in the comments, “most emotion ive ever seen from walker,” with two crying-laughing emoji.
Jazz guard Isaiah Collier also took to the comments, sharing four fire emoji.
Stockard shared the post on her own Instagram story, writing, “This is my favorite.”
Stockard was crowned Miss America on Jan. 5, beating out first runner-up Miss Texas Annette Addo-Yobo. According to NBC-affiliate WVTM, Stockard won the title before beginning her senior year at Auburn University. She had been taking a year off to focus on the competition, but plans to return to Auburn’s nursing school.
Both Kessler and Stockard’s social media accounts are primarily devoted to their respective occupations, but each occasionally shares glimpses into sweet moments during their relationship.
On July 26, 2024, Kessler shared a birthday post on Instagram for Stockard, writing in the caption that couple share the same birthday.
“I wouldn’t want to share my day with anyone else,” he wrote in part. “You are a truly special girl that never fails to make me smile.”
In January 2024, Stockard shared a photo on Instagram with Kessler on the basketball court surrounded by confetti, writing, “ringing in the new year from Utah.”
