10/17/2025
For this week’s FGF we are honoring Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt. What makes her so recognizable to most is her support for Loyola Men’s Basketball. Specifically the 2018 Final Four run, where she became a national celebrity, embodying the underdog spirit and faith that resonated with millions of people. Players have said they viewed her as more than just a chaplain, describing her as being like "another coach" who provided wisdom and a competitive edge. But there is even more to recognize in her 106 years of life!
In 1945, she was an elementary school teacher at St. Charles Elementary in North Hollywood, California. Here she started a sports program, coaching women’s basketball, softball, volleyball, track, ping-pong, and yo-yo. Take a moment to let that sync in. It was 1945 starting programs for women’s sports!
In 1994, she begins a new role with the men’s and women’s basketball teams by helping the players keep their grades high enough to remain eligible to play, calling herself the “Booster Shooter”
In 2009, she launched SMILE (Students moving into the lives of the Elderly). A program connecting different generations together by recruiting Loyola Student residents to volunteer at a local assisted living community called The Clare. Ironically, the elderly involved were probably 20 years younger than sister Jean at the time.
In 2024, my daughter Ruby celebrated her 105th birthday with her and described her experience as “I remember waiting in a line to see her and get a picture with her. When I finally got in her office, she was so so sweet and open to conversation. She made time for every student and always had something to say”
And just this year, shortly before she passed, she officially retired at a 106 years young!
She had many quotes but there is one I want to leave everyone with to start their feel good Friday….
“If you’re lucky enough to have a dream that is so powerful you’re willing to work for it, you end up with a life that is teeming with purpose.”
