Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the heart and soul behind Loyola University Chicago’s basketball bench, has passed away at 106, as CNA reports.

A nun, educator, and surprise sports icon, Sister Jean became a national symbol of faith and fortitude after guiding the Ramblers’ stunning 2018 March Madness run while drawing admiration from all corners—ESPN to the Oval Office.

Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt in San Francisco on August 21, 1919, she felt the call to religious life early on. Inspired at age 8 by a teacher from the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), she joined the order in 1937. It was then that she took the name Sister Jean Dolores.

A Life of Faith, Purpose, and Service

After decades of service in Catholic education, she joined Loyola University Chicago in 1991. Not long after, she became part of something bigger than academics—something spiritual and, as it turned out, viral. She partnered with Loyola’s men's basketball program in 1994, initially as an academic adviser and eventually as their chaplain.

While most chaplains pray in private, Sister Jean prayed over a microphone, routinely invoking God’s blessing at Loyola’s Gentile Arena—for players, referees, and even the opposing team—though she wryly noted she prayed for them “not as hard.”

It was in 2018 that she lit up the national stage. That year, the underdog Ramblers stunned the University of Miami in the NCAA tournament, and just like that, Sister Jean was no longer just a local treasure—she was America’s nun.

National Spotlight and Viral Fame

The media couldn’t get enough. She was featured in sports columns, flooded social media feeds, and even landed in a Twitter moment. Sports networks and politicians alike paid tribute, including none other than former President Barack Obama.

The New York Times profiled her captivating blend of faith and basketball realism, a rare moral compass amid March Madness hype. It was refreshing—even, dare we say, holy—to see someone focus on integrity and team spirit rather than activism on the court.

Her offbeat charm and well-grounded worldview broke through the usual noise. She offered America a gentle reminder that spiritual strength doesn’t have to cower in the face of pop culture or progressive skepticism.

A Humble Giant’s Enduring Legacy

Even beyond hoops, her mark was undeniable. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker honored her 100th birthday in 2019 by declaring August 21 “Sister Jean Day” across the state. Loyola itself named a student scholarship after her to ensure her legacy would continue to shape future generations.

At age 103, the train station plaza at Loyola was renamed in her honor. It bore a marquee that read: “Home of the World Famous Sister Jean!”—a fitting tribute in a world often too busy to remember what real service looks like.

In her 2023 memoir, she recalled daily prayers about whether to commit to the BVM order: “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister.” Sound advice—not just for young Catholics, but for any American seeking conviction in turbulent times.

A Voice of Wisdom Rooted in Faith

In the same memoir, she poked fun at her own spiritual role in basketball, asking, “Does God really care who wins a basketball game? Maybe he cares more than we think?” It was light-hearted, yes—but wrapped in it was something people crave more than ever now: authenticity.

Her wit carried serious purpose. “God sees a lot of horrible stuff going on. Sometimes he needs a good laugh,” she wrote. “I’d like to think I give him a chuckle every time I say into that microphone, ‘Amen and go Ramblers!’”

Sister Jean was proof that one doesn’t need hashtags or slogans to lead a meaningful life. In fact, her avoidance of trendy causes made her presence all the more powerful and her message stand out in a time when even halftime shows double as political statements.

A Final Goodbye from Ramblers Country

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Jan Schmidt, who now carry forward the legacy of someone who lived not just long, but well. Loyola University has announced it will share visitation and funeral details soon.

Loyola’s president, Mark C. Reed, captured the community’s sentiment best: “Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff.”

“While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy,” Reed said. “Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community, and her spirit abides in thousands of lives.”

Indeed, in an age of flashy piety and shameless self-promotion, she remained a quiet force of tradition—and one our culture could use a little more of these days.