Melissa Jones, a former Baylor women’s basketball superstar and one of only seven players in the history of the program to have her jersey retired, has passed away at the age of 36, the school confirmed. Baylor announced Jones’ death in an Instagram post that was published in April 2026. “The Baylor Family mourns the loss of 2011 alum Melissa Jones,” the post said.
“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,” the school added. Jones’ mother spoke with local media outlet KWTX, revealing that her daughter had passed away on April 3 at her home in Commerce City, Colorado.
The cause of Jones’ death has not yet been revealed. Jones, a native of Colorado, played for Baylor from 2007-11 and helped the program develop into a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. She played a pivotal role in assisting the Bears’ run to the Final Four in 2010 and helped Baylor secure a Big 12 title the following season.
According to Trending Politics News, the impact she had both on and off the court made her a fan favorite. Jones became the fifth player in the history of the school to have her jersey retired. Kim Mulkey, who was Jones’ coach during her time at Baylor, said that Jones was more than just a former player to her. “My heart is broken over the loss of Melissa Jones,” Mulkey said.
“She was more than just a player to me — she was family. She left her mark on Baylor, not just basketball, and she was loved by the entire community. I’m grateful I had the chance to coach her and know her. Rest in peace MJ,” Mulkey added. Brittney Griner, a veteran of the WNBA, who played with Jones at Baylor from 2009-11, shared Baylor’s post, writing, “You will be missed MJ!”
Jones’ sudden passing has led to a wave of grief throughout the Baylor community and across women’s basketball, where she was fondly remembered as a standout player who helped to create the foundation for what the program went on to become. Jones’ mother, Kathy, referred to her daughter as her “most treasured gift from God along with her three brothers.”
Kathy also told the outlet that her daughter was proud to be part of Baylor’s women’s basketball program and said she enjoyed the experience. “It was the time of her life. She has so many fond memories and made so many beautiful friends there, and she’d kept up with so many over the years. It’s a beautiful thing,” she said, according to a report from People.
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Jones, who played as a guard for the Bears, ranked among Baylor’s top 10 in several different categories. In 2011, she was the inaugural recipient of the school’s Melissa Jones Hustle and Courage Award. During an interview with Baylor’s magazine that year, Jones heaped praise on the “community” and “love and support” she felt while attending the school.
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