Who is Sister Jean? 103-yr-old nun and famous Loyola basketball chaplain pens memoir
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a 103-year-old Catholic nun, inspires the world with her zeal as she awaits to publish her memoir detailing her faith and also her love for basketball. "I've got too much to do," she says after waking up at 5 am every day, looking forward to a day full of activities to do right after she finishes reading the Gospel on her tablet.
In her memoir 'Wake Up with Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years' co-written with sportswriter and broadcaster Seth Davis which is set to be published on February 28, she writes, “I guess there aren’t too many 103-year-old nuns using iPads these days – there aren’t too many 103-year-olds, period. But I’m pretty comfortable with modern technology. I’ve always said, ‘If you’re not moving forward, you’re going to get left behind real quick.’ Adaptability is my superpower.”
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Who is Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt?
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt was born in 1919 in San Fransico and grew up in a Catholic family. At the age of 8, she had her religious calling. She recalled meeting a kind and jovial teacher who was part of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary while she was in third grade. “Dear God, help me understand what I should do, but please tell me I should become a BVM sister,” she prayed and in her memoir, she writes, "I guess God listened to me on that one."
Sister Jean then followed her calling and made her vows at the order's motherhouse in Iowa's Dubuque. She began coaching basketball for girls at Catholic schools in southern California and Chicago where she worked as a teacher. In the 1960s, Sister Jean ended at Mundelein College and in 1991, the school became affiliated with Loyola. She was then hired to provide help to students relating to the transition.
Witnessing historical events in real, those that changed the world including the Great Depression and World War II, she also recalled crossing on foot when the building of the Golden Gate Bridge was opened in 1937.
Inside Sister Jean's life of faith and basketball
In her memoir, Sister Jean talks about her life and the lessons she has learned throughout her 103-year journey of life. Apart from her spiritual world, she has proven her mettle in the field of sports. A folk hero of basketball, she was once the chaplain for the men's basketball team at Loyola University, Chicago, in 1994, a team that reached the 2018 NCAA Final Four. In her memoir, she writes about her role as chaplain as her life's "most transformational and transcendent position."
"Sports are very important because they help develop life skills. And during those life skills, you’re also talking about faith and purpose," she said. “I know that God will call me when he wants me. So, I just feel I have a lot more work to do,” said Sister Jean whose motto is to, "Worship, Work, Win."
A known presence in media, her NCAA news conference reportedly drew more journalists than Tom Brady's at the Super Bowl. Loyola's Art museum has interesting figurines, bobbleheads, and also a Lego statue of her. Sister Jean finds the attention she receives as a holy opportunity for her to share her stories and lessons learned in life, and also sees it as a chance to enjoy her time with young people.
“I love life so much and enjoy being with young people. They’re the ones who keep me going because they bring such joy into my life -- and they keep you updated on what’s happening in their world,” she told the Associated Press.
'Her consistency is incredible'
Sister Jean who moves around in her wheelchair is still around the court during practices and games. Senior forward Tom Welch said, “Her consistency is incredible. She does it every day, every game. She brings the same energy to our pregame prayers.” In her scouting report, Sister Jean notes down the strong and weak points of the rivals. She keeps “letting us know who’s good at shooting, who to send to the free throw line… pretty in-depth details. And then sometimes, you know, she’ll make us laugh, feel good for a game," said the 22-year-old.
Calling Sister Jean a "legend," the women's basketball coach Alison Guth said, "Every day I walk in the office and she’s in her office. You talk about being there at 103. It’s because it’s a passion for her. It’s about love. I think they should be telling stories about her forever."