Sister Jean, nun who became a national icon during Loyola Chicago's Final Four run, dies at 106

"Just to have her around and her presence and her aura, when you see her, it's just like the world is just great because of her spirit and her faith in us and Loyola basketball,"

"At the end of the prayer I always ask God to be sure that the scoreboard indicates that the Ramblers have the big W,"

"God always hears but maybe he thinks it's better for us to do the 'L' instead of the 'W,' and we have to accept that."

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt died at 106. She served as chaplain for Loyola University Chicago for more than 60 years. She became a national phenomenon during Loyola's 2018 Final Four run at age 98 because of her enthusiastic courtside presence and trademark smile. She led pregame prayers, handed players scouting reports and sent encouraging emails after each game. Players credited her aura with boosting team spirit, though she modestly downplayed any celestial influence. She lived on the top floor of Regis Hall and had broken her left hip months before the 2018 March Madness run. She continued attending games at 102 despite pandemic restrictions and was born in California.

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