Abbie Stockard, an Alabama cheerleader and girlfriend of rising NBA star Walker Kessler, was crowned Miss America 2025 on Sunday, January 7.
Stockard‘s victory came on the same night her boyfriend, who plays center for the Utah Jazz, led his team to a win against the Orlando Magic in a game held less than a mile away in Orlando, Florida.
Stockard and Kessler not only share a successful career trajectory but also a special personal connection, as they were both born on July 26.
The NBA star celebrated their joint birthday earlier in the year, sharing an Instagram post dedicated to Stockard.
In his heartfelt message, Kessler wrote: “Happy birthday, Abbie! While it’s a crazy coincidence we share the same day, I wouldn’t want to share my day with anyone else.”
He praised Stockard for being “truly special” and “incredibly kind and caring.”
Stockard returned the love on her own Instagram, writing: “To the guy I get to share the same birthday with, happy birthday, walk! You get me like no other and make me feel like the most special girl ever! I love you!”
Walker Kessler with girlfriend Abbie Stockard
Miss America 2025
Stockard, who is a nursing student at Auburn University, competed in the Miss America pageant after being named Miss Alabama.
After a weekend of intense competition, she emerged victorious on Sunday night, defeating 51 other women for the prestigious title.
Along with the Miss America crown, Stockard received $50,000 in scholarship money. She had previously made it to the top 11 finalists on Friday, with her win solidifying her place in history.
The pageant’s timing aligned perfectly with Kessler‘s own basketball triumph, making for a memorable evening for the couple.
After her victory, Kessler celebrated his girlfriend’s achievement by sharing his joy on Instagram Story with a simple, “Let’s goooo,” showcasing his pride for Stockard‘s accomplishment.
While it’s unclear exactly when Stockard and Kessler began dating, Stockard first shared a post about the basketball player in January 2024, when she rang in the new year with him in Utah.
Kessler, who previously played for the Auburn Tigers before entering the NBA, had moved to Utah, where Stockard visited and stressed that she was “excited to start the new year with you,” to which Kessler responded with enthusiasm.
