SI

Jazz Center Walker Kessler Had Awesome Reaction Watching Girlfriend Win Miss America

Utah coach Will Hardy was excited about Abbie Stockard's win, too.

Patrick Andres

Walker Kessler during the Jazz's 119–103 loss to the Knicks on Jan. 1, 2025.
Walker Kessler during the Jazz's 119–103 loss to the Knicks on Jan. 1, 2025. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has played in more than his fair share of big games.

With North Carolina in 2021, he stared down Duke twice and made it to the NCAA men's tournament. With Auburn in 2022, he played a pair of tournament games, and the NBA provides its own global stage every night.

On Sunday, however, Kessler's Auburn cheerleader and nursing student girlfriend Abbie Stockard took a turn in the spotlight—winning the Miss America competition. Kessler posted video of his reaction to Stockard's win on Instagram.

In the video, Kessler and Jazz coach Will Hardy watch the pageant at dinner. When Stockard is announced as the winner, Kessler stands up speechless.

"Oh, she won! Let's go!" Hardy says as Kessler paces in a jubilant daze, eventually hugging his coach.

Stockard, a native of Vestavia Hills, Ala., championed the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the competition.

"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," Kessler wrote on Instagram.

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Patrick Andres
PATRICK ANDRES

Patrick Andres is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in December 2022, having worked for The Blade, Athlon Sports, Fear the Sword and Diamond Digest. Andres has covered everything from zero-attendance Big Ten basketball to a seven-overtime college football game. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a double major in history .

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