CHICAGO — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the cherished chaplain for the Loyola Chicago basketball team, passed away at 106, the university announced on Thursday evening.
“Loyola University Chicago is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM,” the university shared on social media. “This is an immense loss of someone who impacted countless lives. We appreciate everyone’s support and prayers during this difficult period. Further details will be shared.”
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For many years, Sister Jean served as a beloved chaplain at Loyola University, but she rose to global fame as the Ramblers’ enthusiastic supporter during the men’s basketball team’s remarkable 2018 season run.
“I can’t believe any of this,” Sister Jean said. “I just thought I’d be an elementary school teacher all my life.”
This memorable run happened 99 years after her birth. Born in 1919 in San Francisco, Jean Dolores Schmidt knew from third grade that she aspired to be a nun. At 18, she joined the convent, dedicating two decades to teaching and coaching sports in Chicago, Los Angeles, and North Hollywood. In 1961, she took a teaching position at a women’s Catholic college near Loyola University.
In 1994, she was appointed as Loyola’s basketball chaplain, a role that later brought her national recognition, though she was always admired among Loyola students.
Besides teaching, she championed higher education opportunities for immigrant students and initiated a program connecting students with retirees, accomplishments that contributed to her earning the 2018 senior hall of fame award.
It seems everyone has wanted to be close to the good grace of Sister Jean. There have been clothes, LEGO statues and bobbleheads all dedicated to her.
She joined members of the Ramblers team to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs game, and even made a live appearance on Good Morning America.
Loyola showed her just how much she’s loved, throwing a massive bash for her 100th birthday.
Through it all she remained a humble servant of God, dedicated to helping people, passing down lessons from her past.
“You can’t be somebody different, you have to be yourself, the person God wanted you to be. And so just use the talents that God’s given you and just live your life,” Sister Jean said. “You have to be happy. You have to convey happiness, and you have to show people that you yourself are happy to make other people happy.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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