Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, famously known for her inspiring presence during the Loyola Chicago Ramblers’ remarkable and improbable run to the Final Four in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, is being honored once again by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.
It was announced Wednesday that the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has commissioned another run of Sister Jean bobbleheads.
“I am truly honored that the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is creating another Sister Jean bobblehead,” Sister Jean said, via the Chicago Sun-Times.
The new Sister Jean bobblehead is the third such bobblehead celebrating the Loyola superfan who serves in an official capacity as team chaplain for the Ramblers. Her 2018 bobblehead became the best-selling bobblehead in Bobblehead Hall of Fame history. Loyola Chicago also produced a Sister Jean bobblehead as well.
Wednesday’s announcement comes just in time, as March Madness gets underway Thursday with the tourney’s First Four showdowns. Loyola, an eight seed, faces No. 9 seed Georgia Tech on Friday in its opening game.
There was even more Sister Jean good news beyond the bobblehead and Loyola being named to the tournament field, though: The 101-year-old was cleared earlier this week to be in attendance at Friday’s game in Indianapolis.
“This has been a unique and unforgettable season for Loyola’s Men’s Basketball, both on and off the court, and we are excited to go and dance at March Madness in Indianapolis,” she said in a statement. “I am excited to watch my beloved Ramblers in-person in Indy on Friday.”
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Sister Jean bobblehead will benefit Sister Jean’s religious order, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the Loyola’s athletic department. The bobbleheads are available for purchase only through National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s online store. They are expected to ship in July.
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