Former Baylor Basketball Star Melissa Jones Dies at 36

Baylor University, Brittney Griner, and Kim Mulkey lead tributes honoring Jones' legacy

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:21am

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the dynamic energy and spirit of Melissa Jones' playing style.The vibrant, geometric abstraction captures the energy and intensity of Melissa Jones' basketball career, honoring her lasting impact on the Baylor program.Commerce City Today

Melissa Jones, a former standout guard for the Baylor University women's basketball team, has passed away at the age of 36. Jones was known for her leadership, hustle, and consistent play during her college career under coach Kim Mulkey. She won the Melissa Jones Hustle and Courage Award in 2011, and her former coach described her as having unmatched energy, effort, caring, knowledge, and toughness on the court.

Why it matters

Melissa Jones was a beloved figure in the Baylor basketball community, and her passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her. Her impact on the team and the Waco community extended beyond just her on-court performance, as she was remembered for her leadership and positive influence on her teammates.

The details

Jones played for Baylor from 2007 to 2011 under coach Kim Mulkey, who is now the head coach at LSU. In 2011, she won the Melissa Jones Hustle and Courage Award, which recognized her hard work and influence on the team. Mulkey described Jones as always having energy, playing hard, and being a great leader, with unmatched effort, caring, knowledge, and toughness.

  • Melissa Jones passed away on April 3, 2026 at her home in Commerce City, Colorado.
  • The news of her passing was shared by her mother, Kathy, with KWTX on April 8, 2026.

The players

Melissa Jones

A former standout guard for the Baylor University women's basketball team who passed away at the age of 36.

Kim Mulkey

Melissa Jones' former coach at Baylor University, who is now the head coach at LSU.

Brittney Griner

A one-time WNBA champion who paid tribute to Melissa Jones on her Instagram story.

Kathy Jones

Melissa Jones' mother, who shared the news of her daughter's passing with KWTX.

Baylor University

The university where Melissa Jones played basketball, which released a statement mourning her loss.

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What they’re saying

“The Baylor Family mourns the loss of 2011 alum Melissa Jones. Her impact on our women's basketball program will not be forgotten.”

— Baylor University

“You will be missed, MJ!”

— Brittney Griner

“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.”

— Kathy Jones, Melissa Jones' mother

“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.”

— Kim Mulkey, Former Baylor Women's Basketball Coach

“Her teammates respected her because she represented everything. She was the glue that kept the team together good times and bad.”

— Kim Mulkey, Former Baylor Women's Basketball Coach

The takeaway

Melissa Jones' passing has highlighted the lasting impact she had on the Baylor basketball program and the Waco community. Her hard work, leadership, and positive influence on her teammates made her a beloved figure, and the tributes from her former coach, teammates, and the university itself show how deeply she will be missed.