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Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler Watches His Girlfriend Abbie Stockard Win Miss America While Out at Dinner
Utah Jazz player Walker Kessler had the sweetest reaction to his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, winning Miss America.
After the 22-year-old Stockard was awarded the crown, Kessler, 23, congratulated his girlfriend in a post on Instagram and shared a video of himself and the Jazz’s head coach Will Hardy watching the big moment on his phone.
As soon as Stockard was named the winner, Kessler dropped his phone and stood up from his seat in excitement. Hardy said, “She won! Let’s go!” and Kessler looked to be in disbelief with his hand over his mouth before embracing his head coach with a hug.
After the pageant, Kessler surprised Stockard to celebrate with her. The couple posed for photos as Stockard donned her new Miss America sash and held a bouquet of roses.
kidkessler/Instagram
Walker Kessler and Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy watch the results of the Miss America pageant
The Jazz power forward also penned a sweet message of congratulations to his girlfriend in the post’s caption. “Congratulations Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for,” he began.
Related: Alabama Nursing Student and Cheerleader Crowned Miss America 2025: ‘So Grateful’
kidkessler/Instagram
Walker Kessler hugs his girlfriend Abbie Stockard after she wins Miss America
“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 wrote.
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Stockard left a sweet comment on the post, writing, “Walker🥹🥹! I love you❤️ you showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life journey we get to go on together.”
Kessler’s teammate Brice Sensabaugh joked that the video of Kessler’s reaction to Stockard’s win was the “most emotion ive ever seen from walker” in the comment section.
Stockard is an undergraduate nursing student and cheerleader at Auburn University in Alabama.
abbiestockard/Instagram
Walker Kessler and Abbie Stockard
She will take over from 2024 winner, Madison Marsh, to begin her 12-month reign as a Miss America advocate and will have the opportunity to travel the world in her new position.
Ahead of the final, Stockard reflected on her journey to the competition via Instagram. “Tonight, a new Miss America will be crowned. As I step into this evening, I am filled with excitement, honor, and gratitude,” she said.
Read the original article on People
