The world has lost a true gem with the passing of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt at the remarkable age of 106. A vibrant chaplain and superfan of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, she became a national sensation during the Ramblers’ eye-catching journey to the Final Four in 2018. Sister Jean wasn’t just a cheerleader in spirit; she embodied what it meant to be a supportive fan with heart, wisdom, and an infectious love for basketball that inspired many.
Loyola University Chicago’s president, Mark C. Reed, spoke fondly of her, calling her a “source of wisdom and grace” for over 60 years. Can you imagine being that pivotal in shaping others’ lives, all while leading prayer before a big game? And let’s not forget that delightful mix of secular sports enthusiasm and spiritual guidance—talk about a slam dunk of life skills! The legacy she leaves behind is one where the heart meets the court, which is a rare combination.
Though she recently retired from her chaplaincy, Sister Jean’s spirit will surely linger through the rumbles of basketball chatter and the echoes of crowd cheers. It’s a bittersweet reminder that passion knows no age, and who says you fade from the spotlight when you cross a century mark? If there’s one lesson we can take away from Sister Jean’s life, it’s that we should all continue to cheer for our passions—no matter how old we get. What’s your favorite sports memory that stands out in your mind? Let’s hear it!
