The 2025-26 college basketball season is still over a month away, tributes are pouring in for Sister Jean this week.
Sister Jean, 106, has been a chaplain for the men’s basketball team at Loyola University Chicago for over 30 years. Fans fell in love with her during the 2018 NCAA Tournament. That’s because she was heavily featured on TV when Loyola Chicago upset Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State en route to making the Final Four. The school’s improbable run ended with a 69-57 loss in the national semifinals.
Advertisement
Unsurprisingly, Sister Jean returned to the spotlight in 2021 when the Ramblers returned to the Sweet 16.
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 24: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt celebrates with the Loyola Ramblers after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Loyola defeated Kansas State 78-62 (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.
Despite loving her job at Loyola University Chicago, the time has come for Sister Jean to ride off into the sunset. Her retirement was first reported by The Loyola Phoenix and Fox 32 Chicago.
After this news broke, fans sent kind messages to Sister Jean.
“Gotta love Sister Jean,” one fan said. “Enjoy Retirement Life.”
“Congrats on retirement Sister Jean,” a second person wrote.
Advertisement
“She should go in the Hall of Fame,” a third person commented.
Last year, Sister Jean spoke to TODAY.com about her life and how she remains so active at an old age. She said it comes down to building a personal connection with young people.
“I love every bit of it. … It just makes me very joyful,” Sister Jean told TODAY.com “I don’t consider it really working. I just have so much fun. These students are a joy to work with. I learn so much from them, and I know they learn from me.”
Advertisement
We’re certainly wishing Sister Jean all the best in retirement.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.