For more than three decades, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt has been a fixture at Loyola University Chicago—praying with students, cheering on the men’s basketball team, and inspiring the nation with her joy and faith. Now, at age 106, the beloved nun has announced she is retiring from her official duties due to health concerns.
Jean Dolores Schmidt, better known simply as Sister Jean, first joined Loyola in 1991 as campus minister and team chaplain for the Ramblers men’s basketball team. But she became a household name during Loyola’s incredible Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2018. Sitting courtside in her maroon and gold scarf, Sister Jean’s passionate support and pregame prayers captured the attention of the sports world and beyond.
“While Sister Jean is no longer able to be physically present on campus, she remains a beloved friend, trusted advisor, and loyal Rambler—cheering for our teams and praying for us all daily,” Loyola University President Mark C. Reed said in a statement.
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On August 21—her 106th birthday—Sister Jean shared a heartfelt letter with students and administrators. She explained she couldn’t celebrate on campus this year because of “a bad summer cold and other health issues.” Still, she wanted her absence to be filled with encouragement.
“That makes me very sad, but you can still celebrate,” she wrote. “Make new friends. Talk to your old friends. Enjoy your move-in and your preparations for class. I will be with you in spirit and love and prayer.”
She reflected on her joy in being part of the Loyola community: “It has been wonderful for me to be with you these years and to watch you grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially, and to see the friends you’ve made. And to see the progress you’ve made in your academic life. I’ve always been happy to share my time with you.”
Her message ended with words that sounded like a benediction for the next generation: “Let your dreams become reality. Don’t let anybody stop you. You are the future leaders of our churches, our schools, our country, and our world.”
Long before she became famous for March Madness, Sister Jean was a basketball player herself. She later became a nun, taught grade school, and even started girls’ sports programs. She joined Loyola’s sidelines in the early 1990s and has been encouraging athletes ever since.
In a 2023 interview with ABC News, she explained why she believes sports are important: “I think sports [are] very important because they help develop life skills, and during those life skills you’re also talking about faiths and purpose.”
Sister Jean even released a memoir last year, sharing her story of faith, basketball, and hope.
Though her health now requires her to step back, Sister Jean’s legacy is secure. She’s not only a symbol of Loyola’s underdog triumph but also a testament to a faith lived out with joy and perseverance.
As Loyola continues its journey, Sister Jean will still be cheering—this time from home. She leaves students, athletes, and fans with a message that echoes far beyond the basketball court: keep the faith, follow your dreams, and never let anyone stop you.