Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the cherished chaplain of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team who became a global sensation during the school’s remarkable 2018 NCAA Final Four run, has passed away at the age of 106. The university confirmed her death on Thursday night.
According to Loyola, Sister Jean had stepped down from her active role in August due to health issues but continued serving as an adviser in her final months.
Loyola President Mark C. Reed described her as “an invaluable source of wisdom and grace” who touched generations of students, staff, and faculty.
“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy,” Reed said. “Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community, and her spirit abides in thousands of lives.”
Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, in San Francisco, Sister Jean joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1937 and took the name Sister Jean Dolores. Over her lifetime, she became a symbol of faith, resilience, and optimism — and an unlikely celebrity in college basketball.
Rise to Fame During Loyola’s 2018 Cinderella Run
Sister Jean captured the hearts of millions during Loyola’s magical journey to the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Then 98 years old, she became the team’s spiritual leader and biggest cheerleader. Her courtside prayers, postgame emails, and joyful personality earned her international fame.
“She has meant so much to me personally and obviously the team,” said Loyola player Donte Ingram, who hit one of the biggest shots in school history during that tournament. “She’s there before every game saying a prayer, and after, she sends us emails with encouragement. Her spirit is so bright.”
Following Loyola’s semifinal loss to Michigan, Sister Jean comforted the players. “She told us it was a great season and that we should be proud,” recalled forward Aundre Jackson.
Her popularity extended far beyond the basketball court — her likeness appeared on bobbleheads, socks, and even a Lego statue, and her press conference at the tournament reportedly drew more reporters than NFL legend Tom Brady’s Super Bowl media session.
Sister Jean’s calling began early in life. In her memoir “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years” (2023), she recalled being inspired by her third-grade teacher and praying daily to join the religious order. “I guess God listened to me on that one,” she wrote.
She dedicated decades to teaching and mentoring students in Chicago and California, coaching girls’ basketball, and promoting education and faith. After joining Loyola in 1991, she became a guiding figure on campus, often seen dining with students or leading prayer groups.
In 1994, she was appointed chaplain of the men’s basketball team, a role she called “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life. She used sports as a tool to teach life lessons, telling players that “sports help develop life skills — and through them, you learn faith and purpose.”
Sister Jean’s long life was filled with honors and admiration. She received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis on her 100th birthday and was recognized by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and President Joe Biden, who praised her for living “a life well lived.”
Even in her later years, Sister Jean remained active, attending games and encouraging students to live with kindness, faith, and joy. “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.”
Sister Jean is survived by her sister-in-law Jeanne Tidwell and niece Jan Schmidt.
