Sister Jean Bobblehead Welcomed Into Bobblehead Hall of Fame

CHICAGO, IL — At the helm of Loyola University Chicago's men's basketball team's historic 2018 run was Sister Jean Delores Schmidt, a 101-year-old nun and basketball chaplain whose enthusiasm and spunk quickly made her an American sweetheart. To commemorate her place in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has launched a new limited-edition Sister Jean bobblehead, just in time for fans to have a little of her team spirit with them as they watch Loyola in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

According to a release from the Bobblehead Museum, the bobbleheads are officially licensed by Loyola University Chicago and are being produced in conjunction with the Loyola Athletic Department.

This will be the third run for a bobblehead likeness of Sister Jean. The original Sister Jean bobblehead sold out in 2018 and was so popular that it warranted a second production run. Her popularity was a record-holder for the Milwaukee-based Bobblehead Museum until April of 2020, when a Dr. Anthony Fauci bobblehead became the best-seller.

The figurine sells for $25 with an $8 shipping fee and is available through the museum’s online gift shop. A portion of the sales benefit the Loyola Athletic Department as well as Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sister Jean's own religious order.

The Loyola Ramblers face off against Georgia Tech on Friday. Despite previous COVID-19 restrictions, Sister Jean will be there in person (and possibly plastic) to cheer on the team.

In a recent interview with Patch, Sister Jean said, "We have to remember what happened in 2018. Loyola got on the map and everybody was happy … I hope we do the same thing now because now, we need something to make us happy – even more we did in 2018."