Sister Jean, Loyola University hoops chaplain who captured nation's heart during Cinderella run, dies at 106

sports • 10/10/2025

Sister Jean emanated a certain love and grit that sunk into students on and off the court — and made for great TV.

Sister Jean Dolores Bertha Schmidt, the beloved Catholic nun who, at age 98, skyrocketed to fame with a maroon and gold scarf fluttering from her neck as chaplain of the Loyola University Chicago men’s basketball team during its Cinderella run to the... [9338 chars]