Oklahoma Coach Moser Mourns Sister Jean’s Passing at 106

BREAKING: Oklahoma coach Porter Moser reflects on the profound loss of his dear friend, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who passed away last week at the age of 106. Moser, preparing to attend her funeral on January 25, 2024, expressed his sorrow during a press conference at SEC Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama.

“My heart is sad,” Moser stated, emphasizing the deep connection he had with Sister Jean. “It’s also joy and gratitude that she was in my life.” Known for her infectious positivity, Sister Jean became a national sensation during her support of Moser’s Loyola-Chicago team in their miraculous NCAA Tournament run in 2018.

Moser reminisced about Sister Jean’s vibrant spirit, recalling moments when she would move through the Loyola-Chicago campus in her signature Nike sneakers, with “Sister” on one shoe and “Jean” on the other. “She was always running around in her Nike shoes,” he said, highlighting her independence even at an advanced age.

Remarkably, Sister Jean lived in the dorms with students until she was 98 years old. Moser recounted a chilly night when he offered her a ride, but she refused, insisting that walking was just fine for her. “Self-sufficient,” he emphasized, noting her resilience as she navigated life in a dormitory setting.

Beyond her independence, Sister Jean was an ardent basketball fan. Moser recalled how she would hush anyone disturbing her during games, a testament to her passion for the sport. “I remember her being such a basketball fan,” he noted, revealing her fierce love for the game.

Her impact extended beyond basketball. Sister Jean prayed for both the Ramblers and their opponents, often delivering pregame pep talks to Moser’s players. Even after Moser’s departure to Oklahoma in 2021, their friendship endured, with Moser attending her 105th and 106th birthday celebrations in Chicago.

As he prepares for her funeral, Moser reflects on the indelible mark Sister Jean left on his life and the lives of many others. “There will never be another person like Sister Jean,” he stated with certainty. “She meant everything to all of us before she became, in her words, the international star — not just a national star.”

With this heartfelt tribute, Moser encapsulates the essence of Sister Jean’s legacy, reminding us all of the joy and positivity she brought into the world. Moser’s emotional connection with Sister Jean resonates deeply, making her passing a significant moment for the basketball community and beyond.