Former Baylor basketball standout Melissa Jones has d!ed at the age of 36.
Her mother, Kathy, confirmed that the former guard passed away on April 3 at her home in Commerce City, Colorado. The cause of death was not disclosed.
News of her passing has drawn tributes from across the basketball community, with her alma mater, Baylor University, leading public condolences.
In a statement shared on X, the university described Jones as a member of the 2011 graduating class and said her influence on the women’s basketball programme would always be remembered. The school also asked supporters to keep her family and the Baylor women’s basketball community in their thoughts.
Her mother, Kathy, described her as a deeply cherished daughter and spoke emotionally about the bond they shared, noting that Melissa was a treasured gift in her life alongside her three brothers.
She also reflected on her daughter’s time at Baylor, saying it remained one of the most meaningful chapters of her life. According to her, Melissa built lasting friendships during her time there and continued to stay connected with many of them over the years.
Jones was widely known as a hardworking and energetic guard during her college career, earning a reputation as a fan favourite. She consistently ranked among the top performers in multiple categories and left a strong mark on the programme.
In 2011, she received the inaugural Melissa Jones Hustle and Courage Award, an honour created in recognition of her style of play and commitment on the court.
During her time at Baylor, she played under coach Kim Mulkey, whom she once described as a strong leader who pushed players to adopt a winning mentality and remain disciplined in their approach.
At the time of her playing career, Jones often spoke about the sense of belonging she felt within the Baylor programme, highlighting the support, unity, and culture that shaped her experience as a student-athlete.
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