The newly crowned Miss USA, Audrey Eckert, has just a week to prepare for the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. Eckert, who won the title in Reno, Nevada, on October 24, 2025, is set to embark on her journey to Thailand on Thursday, where she will compete on a global stage for the first time.
Eckert’s path to the crown has been years in the making. The 23-year-old from Nebraska began her pageant career at the age of nine, inspired by an invitation to a local competition. “My mom and I were excited, but we had no idea what we were doing,” she recalled. Reflecting on her early experiences, Eckert noted, “Pageantry has changed the trajectory of my life, and it all stemmed from that very first pageant.”
From Local Competitions to Global Ambitions
Prior to her Miss USA triumph, Eckert competed in the Miss Teen USA competition in 2020 as Miss Nebraska Teen, where she reached the top five. This experience solidified her ambition, as she realized that she could aspire to the Miss USA title. “That kind of peeled back a layer and showed me I could really do this; I could be Miss USA someday,” she said.
Eckert’s preparation for the Miss USA competition was intense, despite her entering the event just five weeks ahead of time when she won the Miss Nebraska title in April. She consistently trained with the understanding that victory could lead her to Miss Universe. “We were all told that whoever wins is going to have to be Miss Universe-ready,” she mentioned. This foresight allowed her to refine her stage presence and interview skills.
Her training regimen included hours spent honing her walk, drawing from her background in dance and cheerleading. “Because of my cheer background and being a college athlete, I feel more prepared for the stage elements,” Eckert explained. She also dedicated significant time to discussing current events and hot topics in preparation for the interview rounds.
Ready for the Global Stage
Following her crowning, Eckert and the Miss USA team quickly transitioned to Los Angeles for further preparations for Miss Universe. “We’re getting my wardrobe ready, we’re getting my styling ready,” she said. Despite the busy schedule, Eckert emphasized the importance of relaxation to ensure she presents her best self in Thailand.
Excitement fills the air as Eckert prepares to follow in the footsteps of Sarah Rose Summers, who won Miss USA in 2018 and competed in the Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand. Interestingly, Eckert is also the social media and marketing coordinator for Sapahn, a fashion brand that produces its products in Thailand. “I’ve been communicating and working with women in Thailand for the last year and a half, but I’ve never actually been to Thailand,” she noted, looking forward to immersing herself in the local culture.
With a month filled with events and preliminary competitions leading up to the Miss Universe finals on November 21, 2025, Eckert is ready to face the challenges ahead. “The moment Nebraska was called as Miss USA 2025, that’s when I said to myself, ‘Here we go. My life has changed,'” she stated confidently.
As Eckert prepares to step onto the international stage, her journey serves as a testament to perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
