Honestly, if you were watching the Utah Jazz play the Orlando Magic back in early January 2025, you might have missed the real drama happening just a few miles away from the arena. While Walker Kessler was busy vacuuming up 17 rebounds against the Magic, his girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, was preparing for the biggest night of her life.
She didn't just show up. She won.
The 7-foot-1 center—usually known for his stoic rim protection—went absolutely viral for a reaction video where he basically lost his mind after Abbie was crowned Miss America 2025. It’s one of those rare "sports meets pageantry" moments that actually feels genuine. You’ve probably seen the clip: Kessler is sitting at a restaurant with Jazz head coach Will Hardy, staring at his phone, and the second the announcer says "Alabama," he nearly jumps out of his skin.
Who is Abbie Stockard?
It’s easy to just label her as "the girlfriend," but Abbie Stockard has a pretty wild resume of her own. She’s an Auburn University student—which is the common thread between the two—where she’s been balancing nursing school with being a cheerleader.
Most people don't realize how grueling that combo is.
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Think about it. You’re studying complex pediatric anesthesia and then running out to do a backflip on the sidelines of a packed SEC football stadium. She’s a Birmingham native and actually the fourth Miss Alabama to take the national crown. She’s also a big advocate for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, something she championed throughout the competition.
How Walker Kessler and Abbie Stockard Actually Met
The "meet-cute" here is actually thanks to Kessler’s mom, Andrea.
Kessler admitted in an interview with KSL News that his mom basically played matchmaker. She had spotted Abbie and, after some maternal investigating, got her name through Walker's former coach, Bruce Pearl. Andrea told Walker, "You need to check this girl out."
He did.
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Walker eventually slid into her DMs on Instagram. It sounds like a standard Gen Z romance, but Kessler was actually pretty nervous about it. He’s mentioned that his mom is a "tough critic," so the fact that she was the one pushing for the relationship says a lot. They’ve been dating since at least his rookie season with the Jazz, though they kept it relatively low-key until the Miss America win put them in the global spotlight.
The Birthday Coincidence
Here is a weird fact that sounds fake but is 100% real: Walker and Abbie share the same birthday. Both were born on July 26.
He’s about a year older than her (born in 2001, she was born in 2002), but they celebrate together every summer. On her last birthday, Walker posted this sweet note calling her a "truly special girl" who never fails to make him smile. It’s kinda refreshing to see an NBA star who isn't trying to hide his relationship or act too cool to be a "proud boyfriend."
Life as a "Power Couple" in 2026
Fast forward to now, and the dynamic has shifted. While Walker is established as one of the best young defensive anchors in the NBA, Abbie’s reign as Miss America took her all over the world.
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- Scholarship Success: She used her $50,000 winnings to help finish her nursing degree at Auburn.
- Travel: Her duties took her across the country as a brand ambassador, often meaning the couple had to deal with a long-distance setup while Walker was on the road with the Jazz.
- Support System: Even with the fame, Walker says she’s still "just Abbie" to him. He’s been vocal about how much preparation goes into pageants, admitting he had no clue it was as intense as an NBA training camp.
Why People Are Obsessed with Them
Social media loves a contrast. You’ve got this massive, 7-foot shot-blocker who wears hoodies and sweats to formal events (he literally apologized for his outfit when he went to see her after she won), and then you have a literal Miss America who is a nursing student.
It feels like a movie script.
But beyond the aesthetics, fans seem to gravitate toward them because they seem grounded. When Kessler won the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year at Auburn, she was there. When she won Miss America, he was there—even if he was "freaking out" so hard he couldn't even talk to the waiter at dinner.
If you’re looking to follow their journey, both are pretty active on Instagram. You’ll see a mix of Utah Jazz highlights and behind-the-scenes looks at their life in Salt Lake City and Alabama.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Keep an eye on Walker’s Instagram (@kidkessler) for the occasional "life update" post.
- If you're interested in the causes they support, check out the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which remains a major part of Abbie’s platform.
- Expect to see Abbie courtside at Delta Center more often now that her heavy Miss America travel schedule has slowed down.