Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, better known as simply Sister Jean, is one of the most cherished figures in American college basketball. Famous as the chaplain of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, she captured the nation’s heart during the school’s Cinderella run to the Final Four in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. After decades of service, Sister Jean officially retired in September 2025—at the remarkable age of 106.

Early Life and Calling

Sister Jean was born on August 21, 1919, in San Francisco. Drawn to religious life from a young age, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) in Iowa. Alongside her vocation, she pursued academics—earning a bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles in 1949, and later a master’s degree from Loyola University of Los Angeles in 1961.

Her career began as a teacher at Catholic schools in California before she moved to Chicago in 1961 to teach at Mundelein College. When Mundelein merged with Loyola in 1991, she became part of the Loyola faculty and quickly became a cornerstone of campus life.

Becoming the “Basketball Nun”

While Sister Jean served Loyola in many roles over the years—academic dean, administrator, and mentor—her most famous role came in the 1990s when she became the team chaplain for Loyola’s men’s basketball program.

She was more than a spiritual guide: Sister Jean prepared pregame prayers, shared motivational scouting reports, and offered one-on-one support to players. Her deep love for the game and for her “boys” made her a familiar sight at games, often spotted courtside in her maroon and gold Loyola gear.

Her national breakthrough came in 2018, when Loyola Chicago stunned the basketball world by advancing to the Final Four as an 11-seed. Throughout the run, cameras frequently showed Sister Jean’s animated prayers, smiles, and encouragement. She became a media sensation, affectionately dubbed the “Basketball Nun,” and a living symbol of the underdog spirit.

Retirement at 106

On her 106th birthday in August 2025, Sister Jean announced she would no longer be able to attend games and campus events due to declining health. Loyola University confirmed the news in late September, citing her “bad summer cold” and her difficulty in making public appearances as reasons for her retirement.

Though she won’t be courtside anymore, Loyola made clear that Sister Jean remains a “loyal Rambler” and continues to inspire the community from afar.