Sister Jean, a March Madness sensation, retires from Loyola Chicago at 106 years old - Yahoo Sports
Sister Jean (Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the legendary chaplain of the Loyola University Chicago Ramblers men’s basketball team, is calling it a career after a remarkable run

According to The Loyola Phoenix, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt has decided to retire due to “growing health concerns.” Schmidt, who served as a campus minister at Loyola, celebrated her 106th birthday on Aug. 21.

Schmidt earned her master’s degree at Loyola Marymount University in 1961. She then took over and worked various teaching jobs before accepting an offer from Loyola University Chicago in 1991. In 1994, at age 75, she became the chaplain of the men’s basketball team.

“Let your dreams become a reality,” Sister Jean wrote to Loyola students before retiring, per The Loyola Phoenix.

Mark C. Reed, the president of Loyola University Chicago, informed the outlet that even though Schmidt “is no longer able to be physically present on campus, she remains a beloved friend, trusted advisor, and loyal Rambler.”

All the best to Sister Jean in her retirement.

Loyola University Chicago Men’s Basketball Team Begins New Era With Sister Jean’s Retirement

Loyola icon Sister Jean retires at 106 after decades of service | FOX 32 Chicago
Sister Jean (Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
After spending over two decades in mediocrity, the Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball team finally rose to prominence in 2017-18. Under then-head coach Porter Moser, the Ramblers went 32-6 and reached the March Madness Final Four, losing 69-57 to Michigan.

The Ramblers proved it was no fluke by finishing 20-14 and 21-11 over the next two seasons. In 2020-21, they reached the Sweet Sixteen and fell 65-58 to Oregon State, who would lose to Houston in the Elite Eight.

Loyola University Chicago hasn’t advanced that far in March Madness ever since, but it was sure heartwarming to see Sister Jean enjoy a couple of deep playoff runs in her final decade as the Ramblers’ chaplain.

The poster-Sister Jean era of Ramblers men’s basketball will kick off on Nov. 3, when the Ramblers play host to Cleveland State.