Former Loyola Ramblers coach Moser remembers 'dear friend' Sister Jean

When news broke that Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved Loyola-Chicago chaplain and national icon of college basketball, had died Thursday at the age of 106, tributes poured in from around the country.

But perhaps none carried more emotion than the words of Porter Moser, the former Loyola coach who helped introduce Sister Jean — and her boundless faith and charm — to the national stage.

“As we all mourn the death of our dear friend Sister Jean, my heart is sad but also filled with joy and gratitude for my time spent with her and the impact she had on my life and so many others,” Moser wrote on social media Friday.

Moser, now the head coach at the University of Oklahoma, led Loyola through a decade of transformation — a period that coincided with Sister Jean’s rise from quiet campus chaplain to national symbol of faith, joy, and perseverance.

The Nation Meets Sister Jean

To most of America, Sister Jean became a household name during Loyola-Chicago’s Cinderella run to the 2018 NCAA Final Four, when the then-98-year-old nun captivated audiences with her pregame prayers, sharp basketball insight, and infectious optimism.

Wearing her maroon-and-gold scarf and sitting courtside in her wheelchair, she became both the face and soul of the Ramblers — a living embodiment of the underdog spirit that captured hearts across the country.

But to Moser and his players, Sister Jean was far more than a symbol. She was a mentor, a motivator, and a constant presence in their lives.

“She was the heartbeat of our program,” Moser said in a 2021 interview. “She reminded us every day what it meant to play with purpose, humility, and love.”

A Relationship Rooted in Faith and Friendship

When Moser took over Loyola in 2011, the program was struggling — both in performance and identity. Sister Jean, then in her 90s, had already been serving as the team’s chaplain for more than two decades. She quickly became one of Moser’s closest allies.

Together, they rebuilt the program not just with wins, but with values.

Before every game, Sister Jean would gather the team for prayer, offering words of encouragement and, often, a touch of humor. She wasn’t shy about sharing scouting tips either — she’d point out opponents’ weaknesses or remind players to “box out and play smart.”

Her faith wasn’t performative; it was lived. Players recall her handwritten notes, her postgame hugs, and her unwavering belief that basketball could be a vehicle for something greater than victory — for character, compassion, and community.

“She loved the players like family,” Moser once said. “She prayed for them, cheered for them, and challenged them to be their best selves — on and off the court.”

A Global Phenomenon

By the time Loyola reached the Final Four in 2018, Sister Jean had transcended sports.

She became a national sensation, featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and even honored by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions to the game. Her smiling face appeared on T-shirts, bobbleheads, and posters.

And yet, she remained grounded. When asked about her newfound fame, Sister Jean simply laughed:

“The attention is nice, but I just want the boys to win.”

For Moser, the experience was transformative. He often credited Sister Jean’s presence as the emotional anchor that kept his team humble during their meteoric rise.

“She gave us perspective,” he said. “When things got chaotic, she reminded us that joy doesn’t come from winning games — it comes from gratitude and togetherness.”

Beyond Basketball

Even after Moser departed for Oklahoma in 2021, his bond with Sister Jean endured. They continued to exchange messages, and he often spoke publicly about the influence she had on his coaching philosophy and personal outlook.

“She taught me about servant leadership,” Moser said. “It wasn’t just about faith — it was about how to lead with kindness, empathy, and strength.”

When Loyola made another deep tournament run in 2021, Sister Jean, then 101, was there again — offering her trademark blend of analysis and encouragement. Her pregame prayer that year went viral when she included detailed statistics about the team’s rebounding and field-goal percentages.

Her mind, like her spirit, remained sharp to the very end.

A Lasting Legacy

Sister Jean’s passing marks the end of an era — not only for Loyola University but for college basketball as a whole. Her story bridged generations, faiths, and fandoms.

She reminded the world that sports, at their best, can be sacred spaces — places where hope and humanity converge.

For Moser, her legacy isn’t measured in wins or tournament banners, but in the countless lives she touched.

“She was love personified,” he said. “Her joy was contagious, her wisdom eternal, and her faith unshakable. Loyola will never be the same — and neither will I.”

Sister Jean: More Than a Symbol

In an age when college sports are defined by NIL deals, conference realignment, and commercial interests, Sister Jean stood for something purer — the belief that community, faith, and love for the game still matter.

She wasn’t just Loyola’s chaplain; she was its conscience.

Her famous words before the 2018 Final Four still resonate today:

“As long as we play with our hearts and give our best, God will take care of the rest.”

For those who knew her — and even for those who only watched from afar — Sister Jean’s life remains a reminder that joy, faith, and perseverance can outlast any scoreboard.

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