Oklahoma Coach Moser Mourns Sister Jean, 106, Ahead of Funeral

UPDATE: Oklahoma Sooners coach Porter Moser is mourning the loss of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who passed away at the age of 106 last week. Moser reflected on their friendship just hours before attending her funeral mass in Chicago, scheduled for Thursday.

“My heart is sad,” Moser expressed, emphasizing the profound impact Sister Jean had on his life. He planned to travel to Chicago immediately following SEC Media Day to honor his beloved friend. “It’s also joy and gratitude that she was in my life,” he added, highlighting her unmatched positivity and energy.

Sister Jean became a national sensation during the 2018 NCAA Tournament, where she supported Moser and the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers on their remarkable journey to the Final Four. Her spirit and dedication resonated with fans and celebrities alike, including President Joe Biden, who once sent her flowers.

Moser reminisced about Sister Jean’s independence and vibrant personality. Despite being in a wheelchair, she was known for her love of basketball and her trademark Nike sneakers, which read “Sister” on one shoe and “Jean” on the other. “She was always running around in her Nike shoes,” Moser recalled, illustrating her relentless energy.

At 98 years old, Sister Jean lived independently in the dorms at Loyola-Chicago, often refusing offers of assistance. Moser shared a poignant memory of encountering her one frigid night while returning from recruiting calls. “I said, ‘Sister Jean, jump in. I’ll take you across the street to the dorm,’” he recounted. Her response was a firm “No, no. This is great for me,” demonstrating her fierce independence.

Her passion for basketball was evident, as she would shush anyone who disrupted her game-watching experience. “She loved my kids, but I remember she sat behind my kids at a game and she shushed my kids,” Moser laughed, recalling her fierce dedication to the sport she adored.

Throughout her tenure with Loyola-Chicago basketball since 1991, Sister Jean became a source of love and support for players, offering pregame prayers and pep talks. Moser maintained their friendship even after he took the helm at Oklahoma in 2021, attending her birthday celebrations as she reached milestones of 105 and 106 years.

As Moser prepares for Sister Jean’s funeral, he reflects on her extraordinary legacy. “There will never be another person like Sister Jean,” he stated, emphasizing her significance to everyone who knew her. “She meant everything to all of us before she became, in her words, the international star — not just a national star.”

Sister Jean’s passing marks the end of an era for many, but her spirit and positivity will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.