As the news spread late Thursday into early Friday morning, basketball fans, players, and coaches across the country took to social media to honor one of the sport’s most beloved icons. Sister Jean brought an infectious energy and an unwavering faith that made her more than a mascot, she was a symbol of joy and belief within the game of basketball.
Her smile became a familiar sight during March Madness, her prayers part of Loyola Chicago’s pregame ritual, and her presence a source of inspiration for players and fans alike. Even those who had never met her felt connected to her spirit and optimism. Now, the college basketball world is celebrating her life the same way she lived it, with love, laughter, and connection.
Sister Jean Touched the Lives of Fans Nationwide
While the focus of college sports has shifted to money over everything, Sister Jean was a reminder of what really matters. A life well-lived. Bless her memory eternal. #RIPSisterJean
— Michael Collins (@MCFanSided) October 10, 2025
IBCA HALL of Fame Friend Sister Jean is now in the greatest Hall of Fame, GOD'S. Accolades will pour out for Sister Jean, all of them so deserving. She was blessed with many gifts, but perhaps her greatest gift was her positive spirit. Sister Jean was GOD'S gift to us. pic.twitter.com/zKEaoiKeNS
— BBall Museum of IL (@BBallMuseumIL) October 10, 2025
😢 So glad we got to meet Sister Jean at the 2024 NIT. So sad to hear about her passing. pic.twitter.com/um49mjXvVl
— Wes Johnson (@BURedSeaCrazie) October 10, 2025
What a life. What a legacy 🙏 🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ Had the pleasure of having sister Jean on Windy City LIVE many times. It was such a joy to be in her presence. pic.twitter.com/WtGbEpzg1h
— Ryan Chiaverini (@RyanChiaverini) October 10, 2025
Greatest thing about the #NCAA tourney are the characters and stories . Nobody even remembers or cares who won in 2018 but everybody remembers Sister Jean https://t.co/pGzki0rjcD
— Gabriel Morency (@sportsrage) October 10, 2025
Media and Dignitaries Pay Their Respects
March Madness won’t be the same without Sister Jean. Thinking about the Loyola University Chicago community and everyone who loved this remarkable woman. https://t.co/9O09E9zdMA
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 10, 2025
Sad news to wake up to this morning. Honored to have spent time around Sister Jean. She was truly amazing. R.I.P 🙏 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hnMt3q74Uo
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) October 10, 2025
Sister Jean was a household name during @RamblersMBB FF run and she never stopped inspiring. 106 years of Loving God, people and serving others. Thank goodness that @SethDavisHoops wrote a Book about her life and impact that will always be there for people to learn who she was.
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) October 10, 2025
Sister Jean was a role model in Illinois — inspiring us to embrace our neighbors.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 10, 2025
As a lover of life, she taught us to channel positivity to keep us hopeful in times of need and kept that attitude all the way to a life well-lived at 106 years old.
May her memory be a blessing.
A saint is now with her Lord and savior. I love you Sister Jean. You made me and so many like me a better man, husband, father, friend. You brought me so much joy, laughter, love. I am truly blessed to have met you over a hot dog at the concession stand. Sainthood awaits you. pic.twitter.com/6y3OHjS8OC
— Mark Adams (@EnthusiAdams) October 10, 2025
We lost one of the great characters in the history of March Madness last night. As college administrators work to reshape the NCAA tournament, let’s hope they act like Sister Jean will always be watching. My column for @YahooSports https://t.co/4shd4UtkfO
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 10, 2025
Yes SISTER JEAN passed away at age 106 - she was so so loved - May Sister Jean RIP - I was honored & thrilled to have met her . https://t.co/oAwXw9xGqN
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) October 10, 2025
Will never forget Sister Jean’s 2018 Final Four press conference. A Hollywood scene! The Loyola Chicago run and the amount of attention she got while handling it all with grace and positivity was extraordinary. She’s part of an incredible March Madness chapter. RIP to a legend.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) October 10, 2025
These are just a few of the countless messages that came pouring in following Sister Jean's death. College basketball will miss the legend of the game. Even after her passing, she reminded fans why we fell in love with the sport: for the heart, humanity, and the many unforgettable people who make it special.
From packed arenas to living rooms across the country, fans are showing on how much she meant to the game and to them personally. Her story was never about fame or attention, but about faith, kindness, and the belief that everyone has a role to play in something bigger than themselves.
Sister Jean showed that basketball is more than wins and losses, it’s about community, spirit, and the shared love that brings people together every March. Her smile, prayers, and presence will live on in the echoes of March Madness, forever reminding us that heroes come in many forms, and sometimes the most powerful ones never pick up a ball.