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Walker Kessler goes viral for reaction to watching girlfriend Abbie Stockard win Miss America

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•01/07/25•

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Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz via Imagn Images

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler was very excited to see his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, win Miss America. Keelser shared a video on his Instagram that shows him and Jazz head coach Will Hardy watching the Miss America final results. Stockard won as Miss Alabama, leading to Kessler dropping his phone and getting out of his chair.

Stockard is a nursing student and cheerleader at Auburn, where Kessler played in 2021-22 before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and sent to the Jazz before the Rudy Gobert trade. The 2023 Miss America pageant happened on Jan. 5, the same day the Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic 105-92. Interestingly enough, the pageant and the game took place in Orlando.

Abbie Stockard, 22, is the fourth Miss Alabama to be named Miss America. She also won $50,000 in scholarship money and the title of Miss America for the year. Shortly after learning his girlfriend was named Miss America, Walker Kessler went to Instagram to send her a message.

Walker Kessler sends an emotional message to Abbie Stockard

“Congratulations Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for,” Kessler wrote. “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.”

“I truly believe that I am equipped with the skills to be an effective Miss America.,” Stockard told AL.com before the Miss America finals. “That would be absolutely incredible. I have a plan as Miss America, and I know that I would be an effective brand ambassador. I would help to increase their visibility. And the way I think of myself is, I’m very joyful. I’m very compassionate. I love to serve, and that would be the forefront of my reign.”

Stockard added: “I want to thank everyone so much for supporting me. I feel so loved and celebrated. Your support means the world to me. I’m going to do my best to reflect Alabama in the most positive light, and do everything I can to make the state of Alabama proud.”

Kessler was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team after tallying 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. This season, the 23-year-old has recorded 10.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest through 28 games.