When Sister Jean Met Mariah: Watch The Sweet 16 Sweethearts Chat

ATLANTA, GA — Underdog teams like Loyola and Nevada might be capturing the headlines on the sports pages, but it's two fans of those teams who have been grabbing the spotlight everywhere else during the men's NCAA tournament. Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, the chaplain for the No. 11 Ramblers, and Mariah Musselman, the 8-year-old daughter of Wolf Pack head coach Eric Musselman, have become the media darlings of college basketball's Big Dance thanks to their passion for their teams and the charming way they've been cheering them on.

These viral sensations met for the first time Thursday to chat before No. 11 Loyola's late-game, nail-biting 69-68 win over No. 7 Nevada. As one would expect, their conversation is one of the most adorable things in the world. The only way it could be any cuter is if they were surrounded by kittens, puppies and red pandas the entire time they talked.

"This is quite an experience for me, and this will probably go on for you for the rest of your life," Sister Jean told Mariah about all the attention they both have been receiving during the tournament.

More Patch Coverage:

• Loyola Beats Nevada: Ramblers Soar Into Elite Eight
• Loyola's Sister Jean Gets Push To Go On 'Ellen DeGeneres Show'
• Loyola's Bus Gets Lost Going To Arena? That's March Madness
• From a YMCA Kid to the Sweet Sixteen

The two mega-fans of their respective schools followed up their sweet exchange of words with an even sweeter exchange of gifts. Sister Jean gave Mariah an "I Love Sister Jean" T-shirt that was a little large for the youngster, who graciously said she'd wear at as nightgown. For her part, Mariah Sister Jean a "Nevada Vs. Everybody"/"It Must Be Trust" shirt.

Finally, this confab of cuteness ended with a hug and a quick photo op. It's too bad Mariah's media run this year will probably end now that Nevada's trip through the tournament is over. Note to TV producers: Someone needs to sign these two to a talk show deal fast.

Loyola vs. Kansas State

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, March 24

Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta

TV: TBS

Online: The game will be live-streamed by the NCAA.

Loyola team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt (left) and Mariah Musselman, the 8-year-old daughter of Nevada coach Eric Musselman, share a hug and a smile after their chat Thursday, March 22, before the game between the No. 11 Ramblers and the No. 7 Wolf Pack. (Screenshot image via NCAA | YouTube)