Sister Jean and the Loyola-Chicago Men’s Basketball Team

98-year-old Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt is especially excited about March Madness this year.

For the first time in 33 years, Loyola University-Chicago’s men’s team, for whom she serves as the chaplain, has made the field. The team acknowledges that Sister Jean’s presence makes an impact.

She begins every prayer with the team, “Good and gracious God,” and doesn’t hesitate to ask for His help in getting the team a win.

“I ask God to be especially good to Loyola so that, at the end of the game, the scoreboard indicates a big ‘W’ for us,” she said.

Here’s Sister Jean in action on Loyola-Chicago’s sideline:

On Thursday, March 15, the Ramblers, an 11-seed, take on the University of Miami (FL), a 6-seed in the South Region of the tournament.

Sister Jean hopes to make the trip, but her health may keep her home, where she will definitely be watching on television.

“I know she’s going to be there with us in prayer and cheering us on,” one player said. “And that means a lot to us.”

For more on Sister Jean and the Loyola University-Chicago men’s basketball team, check out this story by the New York Times.