Throughout her career as a Lady Bear, Melissa Jones has been a fan favorite. For some, it was because of her play on the court; Jones earned all-America honors in 2010-11. For others, it was her hustle and competitive spirit — so much so that head coach Kim Mulkey created a team award in her honor. For still others, it was her giving personality, as seen in her volunteer work locally and her international mission efforts.
The Big 12 Conference looked at all of her accomplishments and named Jones one of two 2010-11 Big 12 Sportspersons of the Year. Started in 2001, the honor annually recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who displayed extraordinary degrees of sportsmanship and/or community service. Jones is the third Baylor Bear to be so honored in the last eight years, joining Jessika Stratton (2003-04) and Mamadou Diene (2007-08). (Listen to MJ talk about the honor here.)
Though she has completed her basketball eligibility, Jones isn’t through performing on the Ferrell Center floor. This fall, the 5-11 Jones — an all-state middle blocker in high school — will join the Baylor volleyball team as she begins work on a master’s degree. (Read more on Jones’ past, present and future in this feature from the latest issue of Baylor Magazine.)
Could Baylor ask for a better representative than Melissa Jones?
Sic ’em, MJ!
