Former Baylor University women’s basketball player and fan favorite Melissa Jones has died at age 36, her family confirmed.
Jones died at her home in Commerce City, Colorado on Friday, April 3, her mother told Texas news station KWTX. No cause of death has been announced.
“The Baylor Family mourns the loss of 2011 alum Melissa Jones,” the Bears’ women’s basketball account wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, April 8. “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.”
Jones played for Baylor from 2008 to 2011, helping lead the Bears to the Final Four in 2010 and a Big 12 championship the next year. At the end of Jones’ college career, Baylor retired her No. 5.
“Melissa Jones left her mark on Baylor University, not just women’s basketball. She was loved by the entire Waco community. Everything she did for us was full speed,” former Baylor coach Kim Mulkey told KWTX. “She played the game the way every player should—always had energy, played hard, and was a great leader. Her teammates respected her because she represented everything—her effort, her caring, her knowledge and her toughness were unmatched. She was the ‘glue’ that kept the team together good times and bad.”
The adoration was mutual, Melissa’s mother, Kathy Jones, told the outlet.
“She loved Coach Mulkey. Melissa had an exceptional relationship with her,” she said. “Kim had a special place in her heart for Melissa, and Melissa always had a very special place in her heart.”
Kathy added that Melissa attending Baylor 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.
Kathy added, “She was my most treasured gift from God along with her 3 brothers.”
Former Baylor athletes have also begun paying tribute to Melissa. Atlanta Dream star Brittney Griner, one of her former teammates, re-shared Baylor’s Instagram post to her Story.
Stacy Williams, who played football for the Bears while Melissa was a student, commented on Baylor’s post, writing, “An absolute competitor and even better person. Thank you for being so amazing Melissa.”
“Melissa lived a life full of accomplishments — too many to list — but clearly reflected in the countless lives she touched,” her obituary reads. “Known for her warmth and radiant spirit, Melissa was a bright light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
