A group of Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco captured national attention after attending a playoff game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 24, 2026. Wearing Spurs jerseys and enthusiastically cheering from courtside seats, the sisters quickly became a viral sensation when television cameras repeatedly featured them during the game.
The sisters, members of a Salesian community in San Antonio, were seen chanting “Go Spurs Go!” and supporting the team with great enthusiasm. Many fans jokingly referred to them as the Spurs’ “good-luck charm” after the team secured a convincing 103–82 victory.
According to Sr. Bernadette Mota and Sr. Cherilly Galley, their connection with the Spurs goes back more than two decades. They began following the team as a way of connecting with the young people they serve through their educational and pastoral ministries. Over the years, their love for basketball has become part of their community life.
The sisters also shared that former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had developed a friendship with their community and had visited them on several occasions. Their presence at the playoff game highlighted the long-standing bond between the Salesian Sisters and the San Antonio basketball community.
Following their viral appearance, the sisters received an outpouring of positive attention. They noted that many people became curious about the Catholic faith, the Salesian charism, and their mission of serving young people. For them, the unexpected publicity became an opportunity for evangelization and witness.
While enjoying the excitement of professional basketball, the sisters emphasized a deeper lesson: success is not only about winning games but also about teamwork, trust, joy, and keeping God at the center of life.
“Keep God first. Play together, trust one another, and have fun.”
Their story serves as a reminder that faith, community, and joy can be found even in unexpected places—such as a packed NBA playoff arena.
