URGENT UPDATE: Oklahoma coach Porter Moser is mourning the loss of his dear friend and national icon, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who passed away last week at the remarkable age of 106. Moser, speaking from Birmingham, Alabama, during SEC Media Day, expressed his profound sadness and gratitude for her influential presence in his life.
Moser confirmed his plans to fly to Chicago for Sister Jean’s funeral mass scheduled for Thursday. “My heart is sad,” he stated, reflecting on the joy and positivity Sister Jean radiated throughout her life. “I’ll never meet someone who had such a positive attitude and poured that attitude into other people more than Sister Jean. I was blessed to be her friend.”
Sister Jean became a beloved figure in the sports world, particularly during her support for Moser’s Loyola-Chicago team, which made an unforgettable run to the 2018 Final Four. Her infectious spirit drew admiration from celebrities and politicians alike, including President Joe Biden, who once sent her flowers.
Moser reminisced about Sister Jean’s remarkable independence, recalling her vibrant personality even at an advanced age. “She was always running around in her Nike shoes,” Moser said, describing how she’d navigate the campus with ease. “On the back of them, one said ‘Sister’ and the back of the other shoe said ‘Jean.'” He noted that even at 98 years old, Sister Jean lived in the dorms with students, demonstrating her self-sufficient lifestyle.
In a poignant memory, Moser recounted an encounter where he offered her a ride on a frigid Chicago night. “I said, ‘Sister Jean, jump in. I’ll take you across the street to the dorm.’ She’s like, ‘No, no. This is great for me,'” he recalled, emphasizing her fierce independence.
Sister Jean’s dedication to basketball was unmatched; she was known for her passionate game-watching etiquette. “I remember her being such a basketball fan,” Moser said. “She loved my kids, but I remember she sat behind my kids at a game and she shushed my kids.” Her warmth and kindness left a profound impact on all who knew her.
Having been with Loyola-Chicago basketball since 1991, Sister Jean was a source of inspiration for players and coaches alike, offering prayers and pregame pep talks. Moser maintained a close relationship with her even after his move to Oklahoma in 2021, attending her 105th and 106th birthday celebrations in Chicago.
As he prepares for Thursday’s ceremony, Moser reflects on her legacy, stating with certainty, “There will never be another person like Sister Jean.” He emphasized her importance, noting, “She meant everything to all of us before she became, in her words, the international star—not just a national star.” This heartfelt tribute captures the profound impact Sister Jean had on countless lives and the basketball community at large.
