CHICAGO
I raced to the campus bookstore, grabbed the last gray, three-quarter sleeved, over-sized T-shirt that read "Loyola" in fancy gold lettering and snatched a maroon and gold scarf hanging from the shelf. I walked to the register to ring up my items: $74.97.
"This is gonna break the bank," I thought to myself as I hesitantly handed over my debit card. I shook my head as if snapping myself out of a trance.
I grinned. "Worth it."
I had to look just right. My Loyola Ramblers were preparing to take on seventh-seeded University of Nevada for a spot in the Elite Eight.
March Madness had struck this Tampa girl even though I've never been a basketball fan or even a sports person. When I moved to Chicago and penned #socollege, a Tampa Bay Times column about my freshman experience at Loyola University Chicago in 2015, I never imagined the Ramblers would end up in the Final Four.
Now, as I sit here a month away from graduation, it's apparent both the basketball and I have come a long way.
Rambler fever grips me, and the school.
In the past few weeks, the campus has been set ablaze with maroon and gold spirit. Students are buzzing with excitement, blowing up their social media posts with pictures and videos gushing over their school's victories.
Loyola merchandise is flying off the shelves; a local news cast reported that the bookstore was getting shipments every day, sometimes twice a day to keep up with demand.
Local pubs and bars have become meccas for game days - and are mostly packed to maximum capacity. Students sport their (Gryffindor-esque) Loyola scarves to class.
Banners fly from lamp posts and posters hang from buildings as tribute to the group of young men who have put us on the map. I can't even scroll through my Facebook feed without seeing a meme of Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, the 98-year-old nun and team chaplain. There's a rumor that someone got Sister Jean tattooed on their lip.
I went to the Ramblers' homecoming rally on Sunday to take some pictures as a press-person, but mostly to fan-girl. As the team made their way through the gym and onto the stage, I plopped myself next to Sister Jean ... a rare opportunity these days.
Loyola had to order more Sister Jean bobble heads because in the recent weeks she has become an icon, an international superstar. There's even a local petition to get her on Ellen. But Sister Jean has always been special to the Loyola community.
I was lucky enough to meet her my freshman year during welcome week while strolling through the Damen Student Center with my family. My aunt pointed her out first as she spoke to a group of students.
"You should ask her for a picture," she said. "You'll be happy you did."
I didn't even know this woman, but I took a picture with her anyway. I am grateful to this day that I took my aunt's advice.
Some say that the team is benefiting from divine intervention, thanks to Sister Jean. Trey Foody, my fellow Loyola student who grew up in Temple Terrace, said he thinks her pre-game prayers with the players have been heard.
"I was listening to some podcast and this guy was saying that it's not fair for a team to have a Sister Jean because when you have God on your side, you're not going to lose," said Foody, who will be among the many students making the trip to San Antonio.
But perhaps the most magical thing about Loyola's epic basketball journey has been its ability to unite people. Loyolans, Chicagoans, the nation has come together to cheer on a team.
"That's the coolest part about sports," Foody said.
As the final two games inch closer, I reflect on my time at Loyola and realize I still possess that same wide-eyed enthusiasm I had my freshman year - for this school, for this city. The Ramblers' success has only helped it burn brighter. My college experience has come full circle, chocked full of sweet memories.
As I watch Loyola's Cinderella story unfold, my glass slippers remain in tact.
After four years, my #socollege chapter will conclude in May. But I will always be a Rambler.
Loyola senior Virginia Barreda is an Academy of the Holy Names graduate and occasional contributor for the Tampa Bay Times. Contact her at hillsnews@tampabay.com.
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