Sister Jean back at March Madness? Loyola Chicago officially earns NCAA Tournament berth

It’s been three years since Loyola Chicago shocked the world and made it to the Final Four.

The Ramblers will have a chance to repeat that performance after winning the Missouri Valley Conference on Sunday afternoon.

Loyola likely would have received an at-large bid regardless of the game’s outcome, but it did defeat Drake 75-65 to secure the MVC crown and an automatic berth.

That means Sister Jean — Loyola’s 101-year-old team chaplain — could soon be making her return to the national spotlight.

Sister Jean became a major part of Loyola’s Cinderella run three years ago, and was with the team every step of the way.

But due to the pandemic, she has had to do things a bit differently this year. She’s performed most of her duties as chaplain virtually. According to a recent story from the Loyola Phoenix, Sister Jean has consistently stayed in contact with players via E-Mail.

That story also says that Sister Jean has received both doses of the vaccine, but it’s unclear if she’ll be able to attend the NCAA Tournament with the team in Indianapolis. She was not able to be with the team in St. Louis this week for the MVC Tournament.

After the Ramblers’ win vs. Drake on Sunday, coach Porter Moser spoke about Sister Jean’s desire to be with the team.

#Loyola coach Porter Moser said he knows Sister Jean will want to be in Indy with the team. Has wanted to be at every game, but has been calling in with pregame prayers.

— Shannon Ryan (@sryantribune) March 7, 2021

Loyola Chicago will find out its seed in the NCAA Tournament during Selection Sunday on March 14.