{"id":21743,"date":"2025-10-01T11:24:40","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T15:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/?p=21743"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:24:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T15:24:40","slug":"sister-jean-beloved-loyola-chaplain-and-college-basketball-icon-retires-at-106","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/2025\/10\/sister-jean-beloved-loyola-chaplain-and-college-basketball-icon-retires-at-106.html","title":{"rendered":"Sister Jean, Beloved Loyola Chaplain and College Basketball Icon, Retires at 106"},"content":{"rendered":"
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@phoenixloyola \/ Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For more than three decades, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt has been a fixture at Loyola University Chicago\u2014praying with students, cheering on the men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Jean Dolores Schmidt, better known simply as Sister Jean, first joined Loyola in 1991 as campus minister and team chaplain for the Ramblers men\u2019s basketball team. But she became a household name during Loyola\u2019s incredible Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2018. Sitting courtside in her maroon and gold scarf, Sister Jean\u2019s passionate support and pregame prayers captured the attention of the sports world and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile Sister Jean is no longer able to be physically present on campus, she remains a beloved friend, trusted advisor, and loyal Rambler\u2014cheering for our teams and praying for us all daily,\u201d Loyola University President Mark C. Reed said in a statement.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by The Loyola Phoenix (@phoenixloyola)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n