Keeping up with her family’s traditions, Abbie is pursuing a nursing degree at Auburn University.
Highlights
- Abbie Stockard grew up in a medically inclined family. Her mother is a pharmacist, and her father works in medical sales.
- Abbie was recently crowned Miss America 2025, winning a $50,000 scholarship at the pageant held in Orlando, Florida.
- She is in a relationship with NBA player Walker Kessler, who expressed his pride and joy over her Miss America win on social media.
Abbie Stockard, recently crowned Miss America 2025, has garnered significant attention for her achievements and her relationship with NBA player Walker Kessler.
Born and raised in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Abbie’s upbringing in a medically inclined family has profoundly influenced her career aspirations and personal life.
Walker Kessler watched his girlfriend Abbie Stockard win Miss America while at dinner with his coach Will Hardy 😂💯
— Kicks (@kicks) January 7, 2025
(via @BensHoops) pic.twitter.com/jrYL96LTIl
Abbie’s Family Has A Strong Medical Background
Abbie is the daughter of Brad and Kim Stockard.
Her mother, Kim, is a pharmacist, and her father, Brad, works in medical sales. Additionally, her grandfather is a surgeon.
Brad Stockard, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, currently works as a sales associate at W. L. Gore & Associates.
Kim Stockard, who also went to Auburn University for her pre-pharmacy studies and then Samford University for her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, currently works as a PRN pharmacist at Proxsys Rx.
She won several beauty pageants in her youth, including Miss Reveille and Miss Vestavia, which inspired Abbie to participate in beauty pageants.
This strong medical lineage fostered an environment where education, compassion, and hard work were prioritized.
Growing up alongside her twin brother, Bradley, and younger sister, Lilly, Abbie developed a close-knit bond with her siblings.
Both she and Bradley are pursuing nursing degrees at Auburn University, keeping up with their family’s medical background.
Lilly, a recent high school graduate and pageanter, prepares to join her siblings at Auburn.
Abbie Is A Standout Student At Auburn University
At Auburn University, Abbie has distinguished herself academically and extracurricularly.
As a senior nursing student, she has expressed a desire to specialize in pediatrics and aims to pursue an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. in nurse anesthesia.
Her dedication to healthcare is complemented by her involvement as a cheerleader with the Auburn Tiger Paws.
Abbie was crowned Miss America 2025 on January 5, 2025.
The pageant in Orlando, Florida, saw her emerge victorious among 51 contestants and earn a $50,000 scholarship.
Walker Kessler Is Incredibly Supportive Of His Girlfriend
Abbie’s relationship with Walker Kessler, the Utah Jazz center, has been a focal point for media and fans alike.
The couple shares the same birthday, July 26, but Abbie was born in 2002, whereas Kessler is a year older, born in 2001.
Their relationship started during their shared time at Auburn University, where Kessler was a standout forward before entering the NBA as the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
However, he was traded to the Utah Jazz shortly after the draft as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kessler reacted to Abbie’s Miss America win with overwhelming pride and joy.
He shared his excitement on Instagram, sharing a post with the caption,
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 ❤️
INSTAGRAM
Abbie commented,
Walker🥹🥹! I love you❤️ you showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life journey we get to go on together.
INSTAGRAM
After hearing the announcement, a video capturing his reaction, in which he drops his phone in excitement, has since gone viral.
Walker Kessler watching his girlfriend Abbie Stockard win Miss America while at dinner with Will Hardy is unbelievable content.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 7, 2025
(🎥 Kessler’s IG)#TakeNote | @utahjazz pic.twitter.com/1J8ZssN2iE
Additional Information
- Walker’s father, Chad Kessler, and his uncle, Alec Kessler, both played college basketball in Georgia. Chad later became an orthopedic surgeon.
- Abbie has been part of the Auburn University Tiger Paws dance team and has won various dance competitions.
