Kansas City Kansas Community College is welcoming back a familiar and championship-proven leader, as Joe McKinstry returns to lead the Blue Devils women’s basketball program as head coach.
A name synonymous with success at KCKCC, McKinstry previously guided the Blue Devils to unprecedented heights, including two NJCAA Division II National Championships and three national tournament appearances. His impact on the program cemented his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in school history, a distinction recently recognized with his induction into the KCKCC Athletic Hall of Fame.
But for McKinstry, the return is about more than banners and accolades.
“I think the main thing for me is, it feels like going home,” McKinstry said. “Having success is fantastic, but you can’t have that without the right people, the right support, and the right resources. The communication I’ve gotten from former players has really solidified my connection here and how excited my family and I are to be back.”
“We are thrilled to welcome back Joe McKinstry to KCKCC as the leader of our women’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Greg McVey. “Joe’s legacy here is unmatched, winning two NJCAA Division II National Championships and recently being inducted into our Athletic Hall of Fame speaks to the excellence, integrity, and championship culture he brings. More importantly, he understands what it means to develop student-athletes both on and off the court. We are confident that under his leadership, our program will compete at the highest level while continuing to represent KCKCC with pride.”
McKinstry originally took over the program in 2015 and wasted no time making history, leading the Blue Devils to a national championship in his first season. He added a second title in the 2018-19 season, highlighted by one of the most dominant postseason runs in program history, as KCKCC won each national tournament game by 20 or more points.
Across six seasons, McKinstry compiled a remarkable 151-42 record, with five 20-win seasons and consistent national relevance. His teams were defined by depth, discipline, and a fast-paced, high-scoring style that overwhelmed opponents on both ends of the floor.
Beyond the championships, his greatest impact may have come in the development of his players.
“I think that time shaped everything about me as a coach and a leader,” McKinstry said. “It provided me an opportunity to use basketball as a means to give young people opportunities—to grow, to get better, and to build something for their future. That’s the ultimate reward of what we do.”
That perspective, he says, has only deepened over time.
“They’re at a critical point in their lives where they can really be influenced in a positive way,” McKinstry said. “Being a part of that is something I don’t take lightly, and I’m grateful to have the chance to do it again.”
Following his initial tenure at KCKCC, McKinstry continued his coaching career at both the high school and collegiate levels. Most recently, he led North Central Missouri College to a 24-8 record and a runner-up finish in the Region 16 postseason tournament.
Now, he returns to a program that still feels deeply familiar—yet full of new opportunity.
“Everything excites me,” McKinstry said. “It’s familiar, but at the same time it feels fresh. It’s like going back home—you know it as soon as you walk through the door. My family and I are excited, and we’ve got a strong support system here. Former players, teams, people who have been a part of this—we want them to still feel that connection and ownership.”
When asked to describe his return in one word, McKinstry didn’t hesitate.
“Grateful,” he said. “We’re grateful for the journey we’ve been on, but Kansas City, Kansas is home. It’s what we know best, and we’re excited to settle in and hopefully pick up where we left off.”
With a proven track record, deep ties to the program, and a renewed sense of purpose, McKinstry’s return signals an exciting new chapter for Blue Devils women’s basketball—one built on championship standards, meaningful connections, and a foundation that already feels like home.
https://bluedevils.kckcc.edu/general/2025-26/releases/20260402rabju7
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