The world of college basketball is mourning the loss of an icon whose legacy stretches far beyond the hardwood. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain of the Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball team, died on October 9, 2025, at the remarkable age of 106. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Ramblers and for the greater sporting world, which came to know and love her not just for her infectious enthusiasm and wisdom, but also for her unwavering faith and devotion to service.
Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, in San Francisco, Sister Jean’s early life was defined by faith and a sense of purpose. She grew up in a devout Catholic family and, by age 10, felt called to religious life. As she once recalled, “I would pray in the morning, and I would ask God, please help me know what you want me to do, but tell me you want me to be a BVM sister.” True to her prayer, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) after high school in 1937, taking the name Sister Jean Dolores.
Her journey as an educator began in Catholic schools across California and Chicago, but it was in 1961 that she found her long-term home at Mundelein College, an all-women’s institution on Chicago’s north side. For three decades, she shaped young minds there, and when Mundelein affiliated with Loyola University Chicago in 1991, Sister Jean seamlessly continued her mission. By 1994, she had joined the men’s basketball program as an academic adviser, a role that would soon evolve into something much greater.
It was in her capacity as team chaplain that Sister Jean’s influence blossomed. She counseled players, prayed with them before games, and offered guidance after tough losses. Her presence became a source of comfort and motivation for generations of student-athletes. Tom Welch, who joined the Ramblers in 2019, reflected, “Sometimes, as a student athlete, you struggle with motivation to get out of bed, get to class, go to practice, you know, kind of give it your all at everything you do in a day. And, you know, if she can do it, there’s no reason I can’t.”
Sister Jean’s reputation as a basketball connoisseur was well-earned. She was known for offering pregame prayers, postgame analysis, and even the occasional strategic suggestion. Her signature message—“Worship, Work, Win”—became a rallying cry for the team and adorns a banner inside Loyola’s Gentile Arena. Yet, she always reminded her players that faith, not fame, was the real victory.
Her national stardom arrived in 2018, when, at age 98, she became the face of Loyola’s Cinderella run to the NCAA Final Four. Decked out in maroon and gold, Sister Jean cheered the team from her courtside wheelchair, captivating viewers across the country. The Ramblers’ improbable journey, filled with buzzer-beating wins, was made all the more magical by her infectious joy and sharp sense of humor. As John Fanta recalled, “Will never forget Sister Jean’s 2018 Final Four press conference. A Hollywood scene! The Loyola Chicago run and the amount of attention she got while handling it all with grace and positivity was extraordinary. She’s part of an incredible March Madness chapter.”
But Sister Jean’s contributions extended far beyond the basketball court. She led weekly prayer groups, founded SMILE (Students Moving Into the Lives of the Elderly) to connect students with seniors at The Clare—her own assisted-living residence—and authored the bestselling memoir “Wake Up With Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years.” Her influence reached thousands through interviews, speaking engagements, and her daily acts of kindness.
Over her long life, Sister Jean was showered with honors. She was inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017, received the Sword of Loyola in 2018, and was the subject of proclamations from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Pope Francis sent her an apostolic blessing for her 100th birthday, and President Joe Biden recognized her on her 105th for a lifetime of faith-filled service. Loyola even erected a memorial for her outside the campus train stop, reading, “Home of the world-famous Sister Jean.”
Her spiritual encouragement was always laced with practical wisdom. On her 106th birthday in August, she urged students to “make new friends, talk to your old friends,” and to “become the people that God has decided you will be.” She never lost her youthful spirit or her commitment to helping others, even as she officially retired from her chaplain duties in September 2025 due to health concerns.
When news of her passing broke, tributes poured in from across the sports world and beyond. Loyola President Mark C. Reed said, “While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy. Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives.” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called her “a role model in Illinois—inspiring us to embrace our neighbors.” Former President Barack Obama remarked, “March Madness won’t be the same without Sister Jean. Thinking about the Loyola University Chicago community and everyone who loved this remarkable woman.”
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, president of the BVM order, echoed the sentiment: “She nurtured the mind and spirit of her students and all who came to know her with dedication, a firm belief in our faith, and a sharp sense of humor. May she rest in the peace she so richly deserves.”
Her impact was not limited to her own campus. Bill Burns, a former Loyola athletic director, marveled at her ability to maintain relationships with student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, often connecting with them remotely despite being “80 years older than those guys.” Her adaptability and warmth left a lasting impression on all who met her.
As the Loyola community prepares to celebrate her life and ministry at an upcoming memorial, it’s clear that Sister Jean’s legacy will endure. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the simple act of showing up for others. As she told students on her last birthday, “Don’t let anybody stop you. You are the future leaders of our churches, our schools, our country and our world.”
For Loyola fans, March Madness devotees, and all who encountered her, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt will forever be remembered as a beacon of hope, positivity, and unwavering spirit. Though she’s no longer courtside, her presence will be felt every time the Ramblers take the floor, and her message of faith and perseverance will echo for generations to come.
