I’m 7ft NBA star linked to LeBron’s Lakers who’s dating nursing student just crowned Miss America 2025
Abbie Stockard — who is dating Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler — has been crowned Miss America 2025. The Alabama native, who has also been crowned Miss Alabama, earned the award Sunday night after the Jazz beat the Orlando Magic, 92-105. Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh crowns an emotional Abbie Stockard as Miss America 2025AP “Congratulations Abbie,” the NBA star wrote in an Instagram post, which also included a video of his reaction to her victory in the annual beauty pageant. “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!” Abbie thanked her boyfriend, writing, “You showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life journey we get to go on together.” Stockard has been dating the 7ft 1in, 245lb Jazz star since their days at Auburn University. Kessler began his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina before joining the Tigers in 2021 in his sophomore year. It was during this time he met Stockard, a now 22-year-old nursing student, who was also a cheerleader during her tenure at Auburn. The pair, who share the same birthday, regularly post about each other on social media. “To the guy I get to share the same birthday with, happy birthday walk!” Stockard captioned a series of pictures on July 26. “You get me like no other and make me feel like the most special girl ever! I love you!” Kessler also posted on their birthday, writing: “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.” “You are a truly special girl that never fails to make me smile,” he added. “Thank you for being so incredibly kind and caring. Love you abb.” Abbie and Walker have been dating since their days at AuburnInstagram@kidkessler They share the same birthday and often post photos of each other to social mediaInstagram@kidkessler The 23-year-old Kessler entered the NBA Draft in 2022 and was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 22nd pick. Two weeks later, he was traded to the Jazz along with Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Malik Beasley, four future first round picks, and a pick swap in exchange for Rudy Gobert. The towering center exceeded expectations as a rookie, averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 72.0 percent from the field, which earned him a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting. His sophomore season saw a downturn in form but he has bounced back in a big way in the 2024-25 season. Kessler finished third in rookie of the year voting at the conclusion of the 2022–23 seasonGetty He’s been at the center of trade rumours, with the Lakers reportedly expressing interestAP Kessler is averaging a career-high 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.7 assists, while making 71.0 percent of his shot attempts. However, it’s been a rough year for the Jazz, who have the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 9-25. Kessler’s performances have been one of the few bright sparks for Utah this season, and have reportedly attracted the interest of multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. With that said, the belief within the league is that Kessler is ‘not available in any realistic trade scenarios.’
Abbie Stockard — who is dating Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler — has been crowned Miss America 2025.
The Alabama native, who has also been crowned Miss Alabama, earned the award Sunday night after the Jazz beat the Orlando Magic, 92-105.
“Congratulations Abbie,” the NBA star wrote in an Instagram post, which also included a video of his reaction to her victory in the annual beauty pageant.
“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!”
Abbie thanked her boyfriend, writing, “You showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life journey we get to go on together.”
Stockard has been dating the 7ft 1in, 245lb Jazz star since their days at Auburn University.
Kessler began his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina before joining the Tigers in 2021 in his sophomore year.
It was during this time he met Stockard, a now 22-year-old nursing student, who was also a cheerleader during her tenure at Auburn.
The pair, who share the same birthday, regularly post about each other on social media.
“To the guy I get to share the same birthday with, happy birthday walk!” Stockard captioned a series of pictures on July 26. “You get me like no other and make me feel like the most special girl ever! I love you!”
Kessler also posted on their birthday, writing: “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.”
“You are a truly special girl that never fails to make me smile,” he added. “Thank you for being so incredibly kind and caring. Love you abb.”
The 23-year-old Kessler entered the NBA Draft in 2022 and was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 22nd pick.
Two weeks later, he was traded to the Jazz along with Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Malik Beasley, four future first round picks, and a pick swap in exchange for Rudy Gobert.
The towering center exceeded expectations as a rookie, averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 72.0 percent from the field, which earned him a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.
His sophomore season saw a downturn in form but he has bounced back in a big way in the 2024-25 season.
Kessler is averaging a career-high 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.7 assists, while making 71.0 percent of his shot attempts.
However, it’s been a rough year for the Jazz, who have the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 9-25.
Kessler’s performances have been one of the few bright sparks for Utah this season, and have reportedly attracted the interest of multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
With that said, the belief within the league is that Kessler is ‘not available in any realistic trade scenarios.’
