At 106 years old, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt — the beloved chaplain of Loyola Chicago’s men’s basketball team and one of the most recognizable figures in college sports — is stepping away from her role as the school’s minister and spiritual guide.
Sister Jean captured the nation’s attention in 2018 when the Ramblers, a little-known mid-major program, stunned the basketball world with a Cinderella run to the Final Four. As Loyola’s team chaplain, she became the face of the tournament that spring, offering scouting reports, heartfelt prayers, and playful quips that endeared her to fans far beyond Chicago.
Loyola University President Mark C. Reed confirmed her retirement to the student newspaper, noting that Sister Jean has not been on campus this semester. Her absence has been felt, though it came as little surprise after a letter sent to the Loyola community on her 106th birthday in August explained she was unable to celebrate publicly due to “a bad summer cold and other health issues.”
Health challenges have exclusive her public appearances in recent months. She was unable to attend the Ramblers’ NIT game against Chattanooga in April, a rare absence for someone who, until recently, remained a steady fixture at games well into her centenarian years.
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Sister Jean’s rise to fame remains one of March Madness’s most unforgettable storylines. During Loyola’s 2018 run, her spunky personality and unwavering energy for her team became a viral sensation. Just as this year’s March Madness produced new stars like Amir “Aura” Khan, Sister Jean was the breakout icon of her tournament, drawing attention from fans, media, and celebrities alike.
The Ramblers’ road to the Final Four was filled with nail-biting drama — buzzer-beaters against Miami, clutch shots to edge Tennessee and Nevada by a combined four points, and then a dominant 16-point win over Kansas State that sealed their place among the last four teams standing. Their magical ride ended with a loss to Michigan, but by then, Loyola Chicago had captured the country’s imagination — and Sister Jean had become a household name.
Her presence also elevated the careers of those around her. Head coach Porter Moser, who masterminded the Final Four run, parlayed the success into a high-profile move to Oklahoma three years later. Through it all, Sister Jean remained the heart and soul of Loyola basketball, her steady encouragement embodying the underdog spirit of the Ramblers.
Even after the national spotlight faded, she continued to be a prominent figure in Chicago sports, showing up at games, giving interviews, and serving as a living reminder of how joy, faith, and community can bring people together.
today, with her official retirement, Sister Jean closes the chapter on one of the most unique and heartwarming careers in college athletics. For Loyola fans and the wider basketball world, her legacy will forever be tied to that unforgettable March in 2018 — when an energetic 98-year-old nun became the face of college basketball.
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