Sister Jean gives Michael Jordan a run for his money after unveiling her own brand of shoe
The biggest name to emerge from March Madness is not Villanova’s Jalen Brunson or Malik Newman of Kansas, and it’s not Loyola star Ben Richardson or Michigan’s Mo Wagner either.
It’s Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt — or Sister Jean for short — the 98-year old team chaplain for the Final Four-bound Loyola Chicago basketball team.
Sister Jean not only leads the team in prayer, she’s also a super fan and honorary coach who regularly gives coaching advice from the sidelines.
She was alive and well when Loyola Chicago won the 1963 NCAA National Championship over Cincinnati, and more than 50 years later, she’s here for 11th-seeded Loyola’s Cinderella run to the Final Four.
While she’s long been a popular figure in Chicago, she’s gained national recognition during this year’s NCAA tournament.
Her star has shined so bright that Loyola officials asked Sister Jean last week if they could use her name and likeness on merchandise like bobblehead dolls, T-shirts, socks and more, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“Worship. Work and Win!” – Sr. Jean.
Pre-order your Sr. Jean bobblehead now!
HERE: https://t.co/I6y9OzxJMt#OnwardLU pic.twitter.com/ifZhz6SpVo
— Loyola Ramblers (@LoyolaRamblers) March 23, 2018
She gave the university her blessing and said she didn’t want a cent of the proceeds. Instead, the money earned will go to support the school’s athletic fund, as well as the organization she serves in — the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
First licensed Sister Jean Final Four shirt just went live on @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/A31L6GOwGy
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 26, 2018
The Sister Jean bobblehead doll “became the best seller in the history of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum within 48 hours of its release,” according to The Washington Post.
“Sister Jean and Loyola have been one of those amazing, feel-good March stories, and we’re thrilled to be working with the university so that more fans across the country can have a Sister Jean bobblehead,” said Phil Sklar, CEO and co-founder of the museum. “Everyone needs some of Sister Jean’s positive attitude and a great spirit in their life.”
And now, Sister Jean has even unveiled her very own custom-made Nike sneakers.
Sister Jean is ready for the #Sweet16
📷: David Banks/Getty #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/PabShfZmms
— UPROXX Sports (@UPROXXSports) March 22, 2018
Here they are, the Air Sister Jeans on the feet of Loyola-Chicago's team chaplain, 98-year-old Sister Jean Delores Schmidt. pic.twitter.com/QB9ILRogiV
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 24, 2018
Move over Air Jordans. Make way for what some are calling “Prayer Jordans.”
Loyola will take on Michigan in the Final Four on Saturday. A win earns them a spot in the national championship game.
In a interview with on CBS News, Sister Jean was asked if God is on Loyola’s side.
“Right now, yes,” she responded.
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