Sister Jean Inducted Into Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM — the 104-year-old chaplain of the Loyola men’s basketball team — was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 4 for her impact in sports ministry in Chicago.

“It has given me a second life,” Schmidt said about Loyola basketball during an interview with The Phoenix at the ceremony.

The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 featured Schmidt among other members, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, NASCAR driver Ben Kennedy and more. 

Schmidt’s induction is largely based on her integral role in pushing Loyola’s men’s basketball to reach the NCAA Final Four during March Madness in 2018 for the first time since 1963, according to a video played prior to Schmidt’s recognition. Schmidt said even though she received this recognition for what she has given to Chicago athletics, the field of sports has given so much back to her.

“I express my gratitude to all of these people who are responsible for where I am today,” Schmidt said during her speech. 

The Hall of Fame recognized Schmidt for her work in Sports Ministry — her ability to use her religion to improve the team culture and spirit for the men’s basketball team. The Hall of Fame highlights members of the Chicago community who have “thrilled, entertained and enriched” the lives of Chicago sports fans, according to their website. 

The Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1979 as an Olympia Brewing Company exhibit trailer parked outside Soldier field, according to the Hall of Fame’s website. Now, there is no physical Hall of Fame exhibit, but members are honored virtually alongside hundreds of other Hall of Famers on the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame website. The induction ceremony is held annually at Wintrust Arena.

In her speech, Schmidt accepted her recognition in the name of her congregation — the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as Loyola and  her students in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles where she taught before arriving in Chicago in 1961. 

Schmidt was introduced by Jean Lenti Pensetto, an executive director for the Hall of Fame. Pensetto said Schmidt played a crucial role as a spiritual mentor to the Loyola men’s basketball team and acknowledged Schmidt’s consistent, unwavering support for Loyola. 

“She continues to support and better the Chicago community as a whole today,” Ponsetto said. “Balancing her compassion with drive in such a way that has captivated the city of Chicago’s adoration and respect.”

In her acceptance speech, Schmidt said she believes athletics provide a foundation for life by teaching athletes skills and values they can apply to their futures. Schmidt ended her speech with a petition for God’s blessing over young athletes and the ceremony attendees and concluded saying, “Go Ramblers.”

Pritzker, who received the Lifetime Contribution of Sport Award, said he admires Schmidt’s persistent presence in the community and hopes he will have the kind of substantial impact on the Chicago community Schmidt has.

Prior to the ceremony, inductees and their families enjoyed a cocktail hour with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Both inductees and non-inductees alike swarmed to steal a selfie with Schmidt when she arrived at the event. 

Schmidt said she hopes Loyola athletes have a better prayer life because of her and are able to communicate with God. Schmidt said she calls herself the “Booster Shooter” because she helps students in a way a coach, advisor or professor can’t.

Before every Loyola men’s basketball game, Schmidt says a prayer with the team and then with fans. Schmidt said fans ask her all the time if she believes God wants to hear about basketball games.

“I say, ‘Sure I do,’” Schmidt said. “I think he wants to hear all about them.”

In her 33rd year at Loyola, Schmidt said interacting and working with young people every day keeps her young and has even given her another life. Schmidt said she keeps her office door open in Damen Student Center so students know she is always willing to speak with them. 

Although she acknowledges every team has its ups and downs, Schmidt said she loves every second she spends with Loyola’s men’s basketball team, praying and enjoying the team’s company.

“I just love those guys,” Schmidt said. “It’s the best way to put it, and I just have a great time with them.” 

Schmidt said sports are a valuable tenet of education, and she thinks being a member of a team helps foster growth over the course of college years and throughout life. 

Schmidt attributes the success of Loyola’s men’s basketball team to its excellent coaching staff and strong recruiting tactics. She said Loyola always strives to seek out players who will further the team’s success.

Featured image by Ryan Pittmann | The Phoenix