The news spread across Loyola Chicago’s campus not like a somber whisper, but like a warm, collective sigh of gratitude. After a lifetime of service, faith, and unwavering support, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt—the chaplain who became a national treasure—was retiring at the incredible age of 106.

For decades, Sister Jean was a campus legend, long before the television cameras discovered her. She was a fixture in her office, the door always open for students grappling with finals, faith, or freshman-year heartbreak. Her counsel was a blend of theological wisdom and down-to-earth, practical advice, often delivered with a sharp wit that could make anyone smile. She was a constant, a gentle anchor in the ever-changing sea of university life.

Then came March 2018. The Loyola Ramblers, an underdog basketball team with more heart than hype, began an electrifying, improbable run in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. And there, on the sidelines, was their 98-year-old chaplain in her wheelchair, wearing her signature maroon and gold scarf, her eyes sharp and focused.

Suddenly, the world discovered what the Loyola community already knew. Sister Jean wasn’t just a mascot; she was their spiritual engine. Before each game, she led the team in a prayer that was part scouting report, part spiritual guidance. She would break down the other team’s weaknesses and then ask for strength, poise, and a little divine help. “Play hard, play smart, and may the ball bounce our way,” she’d often say.

She captivated the nation. Reporters flocked to her, charmed by her encyclopedic knowledge of basketball and her infectious joy. She became America’s grandmother, a symbol of hope and the living embodiment of the team’s Cinderella story. Bobbleheads were made in her honor, her face graced magazine covers, and her pre-game prayers became national news. Through it all, she remained poised and humble, always redirecting the praise back to the “wonderful young men on the court.”

That magical run to the Final Four ended, but Sister Jean’s era did not. She became an even greater institution, a beacon of resilience and purpose. She continued to attend games, her presence a source of comfort and inspiration. She celebrated her 100th birthday, then her 105th, always with the same grace and spirit. She taught generations of students and athletes a simple but powerful motto: “Worship, Work, and Win.”

Her retirement isn’t an ending, but a well-deserved final timeout in the game of life. One can imagine her in the quiet of her room, surrounded by photos and memorabilia from a century of memories, finally able to rest. The sounds of bouncing basketballs and cheering crowds will be replaced by peaceful silence.

Sister Jean taught the world more than just basketball. She taught us that passion has no age limit, that faith can move mountains (and basketballs), and that a single person, armed with kindness and a belief in others, can inspire millions. As she steps back for this new chapter of life, the Loyola community and the entire nation join in wishing her love, health, and profound joy. The court may be quieter without her, but her legacy of grace will echo forever.