These San Antonio nuns have charmed fans as they cheer on the Spurs from their convent.
SAN ANTONIO — Much like Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt captured national attention during Loyola Chicago’s Final Four run several years ago, the Salesian Sisters are becoming unlikely fan favorites during the Spurs’ playoff push.
The San Antonio Spurs invited several of the sisters to Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, but most nights they gather inside their convent home to watch the games together.
“It’s a time for us to be together and to enjoy some recreation together,” said Sister Bernadette. “Our founder Saint John Bosco really encouraged us to spend time together in recreation. Watching a game is a form of recreation for us.”
The sisters’ sudden time in the spotlight is far from their normal routine, but they said they have embraced supporting the Spurs during the team’s “Race for Seis” playoff run.
“It’s a great thing that they are doing good, and even if they weren’t doing good we’d still be fans,” Sister Bernadette said. “But because they are doing well it just brings even more spirit to the community.”
Sister Bernadette joked there are no “crazy” Spurs fans among the group, though some sisters are more diehard supporters than others.
Like many fans across San Antonio, the sisters gather with popcorn and chips while cheering on the team from home.
“Some of the sisters watch the game and ask Saint John Bosco to sit on the rim so the other team’s shots won’t go in,” said Sister Sydney.
The Spurs return to the court Thursday night for Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at the Frost Bank Center.