Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain for the Loyola University Chicago men's basketball team, has died at the age of 106. The university confirmed her passing on Friday. Sister Jean became a prominent national figure during the team's surprising run to the Final Four in the 2018 NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt passed away at age 106, according to Loyola University Chicago.
- She served as the chaplain for the university's men's basketball team, the Ramblers, since 1994.
- She gained international recognition during the team's 2018 NCAA tournament appearance, where they reached the Final Four.
- Born in 1919, she dedicated her life to education and ministry within the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A Life of Faith and Service
Jean Dolores Bertha Schmidt was born in San Francisco on August 21, 1919. She grew up in a devout Catholic family and identified her religious calling at a young age. According to her memoir, an interaction with a teacher in the third grade inspired her to join the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM).
In her book, "Wake Up With Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years," she recalled praying, "Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister."
After joining the order at its motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa, Sister Jean began a long career in education. She taught at various Catholic schools in California and even coached girls' basketball, an early sign of her lifelong connection to sports.
Path to Chicago
In 1961, Sister Jean moved to Chicago to accept a position at Mundelein College, an all-women's Catholic institution. She remained there for three decades until Mundelein College affiliated with Loyola University Chicago in 1991. Sister Jean played a key role in helping students navigate the transition between the two schools.
The Chaplain of the Ramblers
Her formal involvement with Loyola's athletics began in 1994. The university asked her to help the men's basketball players maintain their academic performance. Her role quickly evolved, and later that year, she was officially named the team's chaplain.
She described the appointment as "the most transformational and transcendent position" of her life. For nearly three decades, she was a constant presence, offering spiritual guidance, pregame prayers, and even detailed scouting reports on opposing teams.
"Sports are very important because they help develop life skills," Sister Jean wrote in her memoir. "And during those life skills, you’re also talking about faith and purpose."
Her approach was encapsulated in a simple but powerful motto she shared with the team: "Worship, Work, Win." Former players recalled her detailed analysis of opponents with great fondness.
"Letting us know who’s good at shooting, who to send to the free-throw line … pretty in-depth details," former Loyola forward Tom Welch told the Associated Press in 2023. He added that she also knew how to make the team laugh and feel good before a game.
National Spotlight in 2018
While a beloved figure on campus for decades, Sister Jean became an international celebrity during the 2018 NCAA men's basketball tournament. At 98 years old, she traveled with the team as the 11th-seeded Ramblers embarked on an improbable journey to the Final Four.
The team's run included last-second victories against Miami and a win over Tennessee that sent Loyola to its first Sweet 16 in 33 years. Television cameras frequently focused on Sister Jean, whose passionate cheering captivated a national audience.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The widespread attention led to a surge in demand for Sister Jean-themed merchandise. Limited-edition bobbleheads were produced, with some selling on eBay for as much as $300. She also threw out ceremonial first pitches at Chicago Cubs games.
The Ramblers' journey ended in the Final Four with a loss to Michigan, but Sister Jean's fame endured. "I live that time over and over again, it was just so fun,” she told the Chicago Sun-Times in 2024.
A Second Tournament Run
Sister Jean returned to the national stage in 2021 when the eighth-seeded Ramblers faced top-seeded University of Illinois in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Before the game, her pregame prayer included strategic advice.
"As we play the Fighting Illini, we ask for special help to overcome this team and get a great win," she said, according to CNN. "We hope to score early and make our opponents nervous... Our defense can take care of that."
Loyola went on to defeat Illinois in a major upset before losing in the Sweet 16 to Oregon State. Her pregame analysis once again highlighted her unique blend of faith and basketball knowledge.
A Lasting Campus Legacy
Beyond her fame in the sports world, Sister Jean was a cherished member of the Loyola University Chicago community. Students, faculty, and alumni viewed her as an embodiment of the university's values. She dedicated much of her time to interacting with students, which she said kept her energized.
"I love life so much and enjoy being with young people," she told the Associated Press in 2023. "They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life — and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world."
Her presence was a significant factor for many who chose to attend the university. Catharina Baeten, a Loyola graduate, told the AP that meeting Sister Jean on a campus tour was a key reason she enrolled.
"Everyone loves Sister Jean. There’s not a single unkind bone in her body and she represents our values … she’s the embodiment of compassion."
Sister Jean's influence extended far beyond the basketball court, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students and the broader Loyola community through her unwavering dedication, wisdom, and spirit.