Loyola superfan Sister Jean retires at 106 due to health issues

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th September, 14:02 2025

NCAA Basketball: Missouri Valley Conference Championship- Loyola Ramblers vs Drake Bulldogs

Mar 6, 2022; St. Louis, MO, USA; Loyola Ramblers fan Sister Jean looks on as the Ramblers receive the Missouri Valley Trophy after defeating the Drake Bulldogs in the finals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Loyola legend Sister Jean announced her retirement from her official duties with the men's basketball team, citing health issues at age 106.

Jean Dolores Schmidt, a popular figure at Ramblers' games in Chicago, had served as the team's official chaplain since 1991.

The Catholic nun and campus minister became a viral sensation in 2018 when 11th-seeded Loyola made a, well, miraculous run to the Final Four.

Schmidt turned 106 on Aug. 21. In 2023, she published the memoir "Wake Up with Purpose! What I've Learned in My First 100 Years."

The student newspaper, The Loyola Phoenix, announced her retirement earlier this week on Instagram after students had noted her absence from campus this semester.

"While Sister Jean is no longer able to be physically present on campus, she remains a beloved friend, trusted advisor, and loyal Rambler," university president Mark C. Reed wrote in a message to the students.

--Field Level Media