Former Division 1 Basketball Star Dead at Age 36: RIP Melissa Jones
Melissa Jones, a former Division 1 women's basketball star for Baylor, has sadly passed away at the age of 36. Her mother, Kathy Jones, confirmed the news when speaking with local news station KWTX.
"She was my most treasured gift from God, along with her 3 brothers," Kathy said.
No details regarding Melissa's cause of death have been released.
Baylor University released a short statement on X regarding Melissa's passing.
"The Baylor Family mourns the loss of 2011 alum Melissa Jones," the statement 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."
When speaking with KWTX, Kathy recalled Melissa's time with Baylor and the happy experiences she had while attending the school.
"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 explained.
Melissa's former head coach, Kim Mulkey, who is now heading up LSU's women's program, also issued a statement to KWTX.
"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," Mulkey said. "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."
Melissa Jones Was a Standout at Baylor
According to ESPN, Melissa played two seasons at Baylor, suiting up for a total of 54 games. She averaged 9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2 steals per game, shooting 47% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range.
In 2011, Melissa was awarded the inaugural "Melissa Jones Hustle And Courage Award" from Baylor. Her jersey was also retired by the school.
"Melissa Jones, BA '11, will go down as one of the most beloved student-athletes in Baylor history," Baylor's school magazine wrote in 2011. "At the year-end basketball awards ceremony, coach Kim Mulkey bestowed one of the highest honors an athlete can receive -- Jones' number five was retired. Fittingly, she was also the recipient of the team's inaugural Melissa Jones Hustle and Courage Award."
Melissa will undoubtedly be missed by everyone whose life she touched. Out thoughts and condolences go out to her family, friends and loved ones.
