Former Baylor women's basketball star Melissa Jones, one of only seven players to have her jersey retired by the program, has died at age 36. The team confirmed her passing in a statement. Jones played for Baylor from 2007-2011, helping the team reach the Final Four in 2010 and win the Big 12 championship the following season. Her mother stated that Jones died in her home in Commerce City, Colorado, on April 3. The cause of death is not immediately known.
During her time at Baylor, Jones was a fan favorite and became the fifth player in the program's history to have her jersey retired. Former head coach Kim Mulkey remembered Jones as "family" and stated she "left her mark on Baylor, not just basketball." WNBA veteran and former Baylor teammate Brittney Griner also paid tribute, saying, "You will be missed MJ!"