Melissa Jones, a former standout player for the Baylor women’s basketball team and one of only seven athletes to have her jersey retired, has sadly passed away at the age of 36. The team confirmed her death in a statement.
On Thursday, Baylor’s women’s basketball program shared their condolences via a social media announcement, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the community.
In their Instagram post, they expressed how deeply Melissa impacted the women’s basketball program. “The Baylor family mourns the loss of 2011 alum Melissa Jones,” they wrote. “Her impact on our women’s basketball program will not be forgotten. Please keep the Jones family and the Baylor women’s basketball program in your prayers during this time.”
It was reported that she passed away on April 3, in her home in Commerce City, Colorado, although the cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
Born in Colorado, Jones played for Baylor between 2007 and 2011, significantly contributing to the team’s journey to the Final Four in 2010 and claiming the Big 12 championship the following year. Regarded as a fan favorite, she became the fifth player in Baylor history to have her jersey retired.
Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team and former coach at Baylor, offered her heartfelt tribute, saying that Melissa was not just a player but family. “My heart is broken by the loss of Melissa Jones,” she wrote. “She left a mark not only on basketball, but at Baylor and was loved by the entire community. I am grateful for the opportunity to coach and know her. Rest in peace, MJ.”
Brittney Griner, a WNBA veteran and another former Baylor star, also honored Jones by sharing the team’s tribute in her Instagram Stories, commenting, “MJ will be missed!”
Jones’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her contribution to Baylor women’s basketball will be remembered.
