It’s been about seven months since Loyola-Chicago’s improbable run to the Final Four in the NCAA basketball tournament and not a day goes by that Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt doesn’t think about that miracle.
Sister Jean, who became an international celebrity at age 98 during Loyola’s run, is hoping the Ramblers can rekindle the magic that turned them from an afterthought to a national story.
The team knows it too and they are glad to have her support now that she is 99 yet still serving as team chaplain.
“She’s very important to our team,” said reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. Clayton Custer. “I think she represents Loyola better than anybody could. I’m glad Sister Jean’s known – internationally – now.”
Sister Jean is serving as a role model for old and young alike as she rehabs her injured hip six days a week for two hours a day at a downtown facility in an attempt to be able to walk again.
Despite the extensive rehab, Sister Jean remains connected to Loyola’s campus and the team.
“I’m still keeping my contact with the students,” Sister Jean said. “They’re the ones that keep me going so I can’t lose that. And as I look toward the coming season, I see how passionate these young men are. I do have great hope for them.”
The Ramblers start the season outside the AP Top 25 poll, just behind No. 25 Washington.
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