Former Auburn cheerleader Abbie Stockard won Miss America 2025, and there was one fan who celebrated more than anyone else.
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Miss Alabama Abbie Stockard crowned Miss America 2025: 'This is insane' pic.twitter.com/TcTwsPoeGR
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 7, 2025
That is, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has been dating Stockard, and his reaction to the news was caught on video.
Kessler was with his head coach, Will Hardy, while watching the pageant's live broadcast at a restaurant, and needless to say he was shocked by the result.
Oh look at me I’m Walker Kessler. I’m 7 feet tall. I play in the NBA. I average a double double. My girl just won Miss America. Whatever man.pic.twitter.com/HMYU0PaaR1
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 7, 2025
This led to Kessler posting a heartfelt message on Instagram in which he congratulated his girl.
"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."
Notably both Stockard, 22, and Kessler, 23, attended Auburn together as she was on the cheer squad, while he was the star basketball player (2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year).
Congrats to former Tiger Paw, Abbie Stockard, for winning @MissAmerica! pic.twitter.com/mnci9kWbL2
— AUFAMILY (@AUFAMILY) January 6, 2025
Stockard won "Miss Alabama" this past summer, and now with the Miss America win, Kessler has a lot to be proud of.
In view of Kessler's third season in the league, he has also found success in his career, currently averaging 10.4 points and 11.3 rebounds, while shooting 71% from the field (2nd-best in NBA) and averaging 2.5 blocks (2nd-best) per game.
To emphasize, he is doing all of this in 29.6 minutes per game. That is to say, Kessler is the first player in NBA history to average these stats without playing at least 30 minutes per game.
Even more impressive is Kessler's off-the-court game, as he can now say he is dating "Miss America."
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