Alabama Nursing Student Abbie Stockard, Girlfriend of NBA Star Walker Kessler, Wins Miss America

A new Miss America has been crowned.

Alabama native Abbie Stockard—who is dating Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler—claimed the title at the 2025 edition of the annual beauty pageant Jan. 5 in Orlando, Fla., becoming the fourth Miss Alabama to ascend to the role.

“This is insane,” Abbie said in a video posted on the organization’s Instagram Stories. “I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Like, holy moly. I’m so excited. I’m so grateful.”

And the 22-year-old nursing student, who was also a cheerleader during her tenure at Auburn University, had plenty of support from Walker, 23, who shared a heartfelt message on social media alongside photos with the newly-crowned pageant queen.

“Congratulations Abbie,” the NBA star wrote in an Instagram post Jan. 6, which also included a video of his ecstatic reaction to her victory. “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!”