The Loyola University Chicago men's basketball team will wear a jersey patch for the 2025-26 season celebrating the life of beloved Sister Jean, the program's longtime chaplain who died earlier this month at the age of 106.
Loyola announced its plans Tuesday in a post on X, writing, "Our biggest fan will be with us all season long."
Sister Jean, who was born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on Aug. 21, 1919, and became Sister Jean in 1937 at the age of 18, joined the university in 1991. She began her role with the men's basketball team in 1994, first serving as an academic advisor, before transitioning to team chaplain, where she served until August, when health issues led her to stepping down.
She rose to fame in 2018, at the age of 98, as the Ramblers' biggest fan throughout their improbable run to the Final Four as an 11-seed.
The patch features an image of Sister Jean wearing her quintessential Ramblers scarf.
Fans can see it live for the first time Monday when Loyola Chicago opens its season at home against Cleveland State.
Matt Liberman is a reporter and video producer for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.