The NCAA superfan and popular nun was born on August 21, 1919
Roy Rochlin/Getty
Sister Jean on March 7, 2023
NCAA legend Sister Jean continues to live life to the fullest as the March Madness icon celebrates her 105th birthday!
After Loyola University Chicago, where Jean has served as chaplain to the Ramblers for over 20 years, kicked off the birthday celebrations, several sports leagues followed with their own social media posts.
“A #MarchMadness legend turns 105 today 🙌 Happy birthday, Sister Jean!” the NCAA March Madness posted on X, while the MLB added, “Sister Jean turns 105 today!”
The league also released a video of “the legendary Cubs fan throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley last year on what would have been her 104th birthday.”
Related: 98-year-old basketball-loving Chicago nun says she prays for the other team – but ‘not as much’
Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Sister Jean on January 15, 2019
Born August 21, 1919, the NCAA superfan and beloved nun told PEOPLE on her 103rd birthday that her best secret to a long and fulfilling life is simple: “I sleep well and hope I pray well.”
In 2018, Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, then 98, became a social media sensation after watching from the sidelines as the Ramblers defeated the Miami Hurricanes, 64-62, in a surprise game.
Sister Jean had waited 33 years for her team to win a game in the NCAA tournament before pulling off the upset. The players even considered her a coach of sorts, as she often offers advice on how to handle the other team.
At a performance on Good morning America At the time, Sister Jean spoke about her newfound fame and how her faith plays a big role in her support of the team. She says she prays with the team before games.
Related: Sister Jean, popular 101-year-old nun, travels with Loyola-Chicago to NCAA tournament
“I pray, but sometimes it’s more than just talking to God… We want to make sure that when the siren goes off, the numbers show that we’re going to win,” Sister Jean told the hosts. “I pray for the other team, maybe not as intensely.”
In 2022 she published her memoirs, Wake up with a purpose! What I learned in my first hundred yearsWhen she spoke exclusively to PEOPLE at the time, she said: “The title of the book is Wake up with a purpose and I do that every morning. Even though I’m 103 now, I enjoy life.”
Related: March Madness icon Sister Jean shares wisdom at age 103 in ‘exciting and emotional’ new memoir
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
She added that waking up with purpose means “that I actually have a purpose in everything I do on a daily basis,” which she attributes to her relationship with God.
“My first prayer in the morning is, ‘Thank you God for bringing me to this day and for allowing me to do everything for your honor and glory.’ That is the big goal for me and if I can orient myself towards God throughout the day, then I am very happy about it,” she said.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive more People news!
Read the original article on People.
