Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, longtime chaplain of the Loyola University Chicago men's basketball team and campus icon died Oct. 9 at 106. In this file photo, she gives a thumbs up after the team defeated the Nevada Wolf Pack in the semifinals of the South regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament in Atlanta. (OSV News | Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)CHICAGO — Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, a beloved member of the Loyola University Chicago community and iconic chaplain to the Loyola men’s basketball team, died on Oct. 9 at the age of 106, according to the university press office.
Sister Jean became a celebrity during the 2018 NCAA “March Madness” tournament. Just a few months shy of turning 99, she accompanied the Loyola Ramblers as they reached the Final Four for the first time since their historic 1963 national championship season.
Known for her constant positivity and even offering strategic game-day suggestions, she was quickly embraced by appreciative players and staff as an honorary assistant coach.
“In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff,” Loyola President
Mark C. Reed said in a statement. “While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy. Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us.”
The sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary entered the order in 1937.
“Sister Jean Dolores was a woman of prayer, dedicated educator, and a bearer of hope who loved her BVM Community,” BVM President LaDonna Manternach said in a statement. “She saw God present in all that surrounded her and trusted in His goodness. Her presence with us will be greatly missed.”
When she turned 106 on Aug. 21, she continued to elevate the hearts and minds of the young and old alike. Still officially listed as team chaplain but no longer able to attend most games due to health issues, the former high school basketball player from San Francisco's St. Paul's High School shared a heartfelt but practical message on Loyola's website. She thanked supporters for standing by her through a nine-decade ministry of education, civil rights awareness, spiritual guidance, and outspoken advocacy for love, service and gratitude.
Apologizing for her absence, she offered her trademark encouragement: "Make new friends. Talk to your old friends. Enjoy your move-in and your preparations for class," she said. "I will be with you in spirit and love and prayer. These things are very important in your life as you adjust to your new 'home away from home' at Loyola University.
She then urged students to let their faith guide their future: "Let your dreams become reality," she said. "Don't let anybody stop you. You are the future leaders of our churches, our schools, our country, and our world."
That legendary 2018 tournament still stands as a highlight of Sister Jean's ministry of presence. Entering the NCAA playoffs as an 11-seed, Loyola stunned the basketball world with dramatic upsets over Miami, Tennessee and Nevada by a collective four points before defeating Kansas State to reach the Final Four for the first time since their 1963 national championship season.
Though their storybook run ended against Michigan, it felt to many like something greater than basketball was at work.
In Loyola's Gentile Arena, a banner still hangs as a tribute to both her spirit and the program she loved. Its unequivocal message is short and clear: "Worship, Work, Win."
— John Knebels, OSV News, and Loyola University