SISTER Jean, who went viral as a basketball team’s chaplain during an edition of the March Madness tournament, has died at the age of 106.

Her death was announced by Loyola University Chicago on Thursday.

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Loyola-Chicago basketball chaplain Sister Jean has diedCredit: AP
“This is a tremendous loss of someone who touched the lives of so many people,” the university said.

Sister Jean became an internet sensation when Loyola Chicago reached the final four of the NCAA’s men’s basketball tournament in 2018.

Their feat was described as a Cinderella run because the team was an underdog heading into the tournament.

Sister Jean prayed before games and became an internet sensation.

She gave a rousing speech before Loyola defeated Miami, who was ranked higher.

Loyola caused an upset when they defeated the tournament’s third seed Tennessee in the Round of 32, and Nevada in the Sweet 16.

The team reached the final four when it beat Kansas State 78-62.

Sister Jean later featured on merchandise and had a bobble head made in her honor.

Sister Jean, born Jean Dolores Schmidt, was known for her motto “Worship, Work, Win” and this three-word slogan was emblazoned onto t-shirts.

Sister Jean was named an advisor with the basketball team in 1994 before becoming the team’s chaplain.

She only retired after marking her 106th birthday in August, and this was linked to health reasons, as reported by The Loyola Phoenix.

She had battled a summer cold and didn’t return to the university campus.

Loyola president Mark C. Reed has led the tributes to Sister Jean.

“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy, he said.

“Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives.”

‘BOOSTER SHOOTER’

Sister Jean was born in San Francisco in 1919 and survived The Great Depression, World War II, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

She joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary convent in Iowa after graduating high school in 1937.

Sister Jean taught basketball to girls in schools in Chicago and California.

She was hired by Loyola to help players improve their grades.

And, she even dubbed herself the “booster shooter” before becoming the team’s chaplain.

During her lifetime, she received accolades from Pope Francis and Joe Biden.

She received a proclamation from Biden to mark her 105th birthday.

“You have shown us all that yours is a life well lived,” the ex-president said in a note addressed to her.

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Sister Jean throwing the first pitch at Wrigley Field in 2023Credit: Getty

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Sister Jean watches Loyola in action in 2022Credit: Alamy