Sister Jean, beloved Loyola basketball chaplain, retires at 106

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a Catholic religious sister known across the country for her role as team chaplain to Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, has officially retired at the age of 106.

Sr. Jean, a former basketball player who joined Loyola’s ministry in 1991, spent over three decades in campus service. She rose to national prominence during the university’s 2018 Final Four run, becoming a recognizable courtside figure and spiritual companion to the team.

Her retirement was confirmed by Loyola University earlier this month, according to ABC News. Christian Andersen, vice president of communications, stated in an email to the student newspaper The Loyola Phoenix that “Sister Jean is retiring and stepping back from official duties at Loyola.” The message did not provide further detail out of respect for her privacy.

Sr. Jean had already signaled her declining health in a letter sent to the university community Aug. 21, her 106th birthday. She wrote that she was unable to celebrate on campus due to a “bad summer cold and other health issues.”

Despite her absence, she encouraged students to embrace the start of the school year.

“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.”

Reflecting on her time at Loyola, she added, “[It’s 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.”

Her message closed with characteristic encouragement: “Let your dreams become reality. Don’t let anybody stop you.”

In a university message at the time, President Mark Reed noted that although Sr. Jean would no longer 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.”