Loyola-Chicago Ramblers: Sister Jean is exactly what March Madness needed

The improbable, heart-warming story of the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers will continue on as their biggest fan cheers them on.

“Who is Sister Jean?”

The question has come across everybody’s social media timelines and daily conversations over the past week. The answer, although simple, is much more complex to a select few. In short, she acts as the team chaplain for the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers men’s basketball team.

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The long answer might take quite a while to delve into, but here is the point: Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt is not only putting a smile on the faces her beloved Ramblers, but on the faces of viewers all over the world.

Whether or not you are a person of faith is irrelevant. A 98-year-old woman has dedicated her life to the team she loves dearly and finally, after waiting 33 years, has had the privilege of seeing them in the NCAA Tournament once again.

Boy, have they failed to disappoint thus far.

The Ramblers took on 6-seed Miami in the round of 64, beating them by a score of 64-62 on the heels of a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer. In the second round, they defeated 3-seed Tennessee in another close contest, 63-62.

Sister Jean

Dolores-Schmidt became the team chaplain in 1994 and since then has become more than a pre-game prayer ritual. The Chicago Tribune was able to learn of a fond memory for guard Donte Ingram.

"“[In my first ever game], it caught me off guard. I thought she was just going to pray. She prayed, but then she starts saying, ‘You’ve got to box out and watch out for 23.’”"

Ingram called her “another coach,” according to the Tribune.

A coach, spiritual mentor and super-fan — this is what America needed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Amidst all of life’s craziness and the busy world we live in, people of all ages, races and backgrounds can come together for one of the year’s best times — March Madness.

Next: Loyola-Chicago Sweet 16 Preview

What makes March Madness better than a story like Sister Jean and her Ramblers? Every tournament needs a cinderella story, photo finish or touching moment. Lucky for us, we have had all three thanks to one particular woman and the unlikeliest of tournament runs.