Former Baylor Basketball Star Melissa Jones Dies at 36

The fan favorite player was remembered for her energy, leadership, and impact on the Baylor community.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting in bold colors depicting the movement and action of a basketball game, conceptually representing the legacy of former Baylor player Melissa Jones.The vibrant, geometric abstraction captures the energy and intensity of Melissa Jones' exceptional college basketball career at Baylor.Commerce City Today

Melissa Jones, a former star player for the Baylor University women's basketball team, has died at the age of 36. Jones played for Baylor from 2008 to 2011, helping lead the team to the Final Four in 2010 and a Big 12 championship in 2011. Her former coach, Kim Mulkey, praised Jones' energy, effort, and leadership, saying she was the 'glue' that kept the team together.

Why it matters

Melissa Jones was a beloved figure in the Baylor and Waco communities, known for her exceptional play and warm, radiant spirit. Her passing is a significant loss for the university and the women's basketball program she helped build into a powerhouse.

The details

Jones died at her home in Commerce City, Colorado on April 3. No cause of death has been announced. During her college career, Baylor retired Jones' No. 5 jersey, a rare honor. Her former coach, Kim Mulkey, remembered Jones as a player who 'represented everything - her effort, her caring, her knowledge and her toughness were unmatched.'

  • Jones played for Baylor from 2008 to 2011.
  • Baylor retired Jones' No. 5 jersey at the end of her college career.
  • Jones died on April 3, 2026 at her home in Commerce City, Colorado.

The players

Melissa Jones

A former star player for the Baylor University women's basketball team who helped lead the Bears to the Final Four in 2010 and a Big 12 championship in 2011. Baylor retired her No. 5 jersey at the end of her college career.

Kim Mulkey

The former head coach of the Baylor University women's basketball team, who praised Jones' energy, effort, and leadership, calling her the 'glue' that kept the team together.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Kim Mulkey, Former Baylor Women's Basketball Coach

“She loved Coach Mulkey. Melissa had an exceptional relationship with her. Kim had a special place in her heart for Melissa, and Melissa always had a very special place in her heart.”

— Kathy Jones, Melissa Jones' Mother

The takeaway

Melissa Jones' passing is a significant loss for the Baylor and Waco communities, who remember her as an exceptional player, leader, and beloved figure. Her energy, effort, and impact on the women's basketball program will not be forgotten.