McKinstry Returns to KCKCC as Head Women's Basketball Coach

Legendary coach brings championship pedigree back to Blue Devils program

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and white representing the KCKCC Blue Devils.The return of championship-winning coach Joe McKinstry signals a new era of success for the KCKCC women's basketball program.Kansas City Today

Kansas City Kansas Community College has welcomed back Joe McKinstry as the new head coach of the women's basketball team. McKinstry previously led the Blue Devils to two NJCAA Division II National Championships and three national tournament appearances during his initial six-season tenure, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in school history.

Why it matters

McKinstry's return signals an exciting new chapter for KCKCC women's basketball, as the program looks to build on its championship-winning foundation and continue developing student-athletes both on and off the court.

The details

During his initial six-year stint as head coach from 2015 to 2020, McKinstry compiled an impressive 151-42 record, including five 20-win seasons and consistent national relevance. His teams were known for their depth, discipline, and fast-paced, high-scoring style that overwhelmed opponents. After leaving KCKCC, McKinstry continued his coaching career at both the high school and collegiate levels, most recently leading North Central Missouri College to a 24-8 record and a runner-up finish in the Region 16 postseason tournament.

  • McKinstry originally took over the KCKCC women's basketball program in 2015.
  • He led the Blue Devils to a national championship in his first season in 2015-16.
  • McKinstry added a second national title in the 2018-19 season.
  • Across six seasons, McKinstry compiled a 151-42 record at KCKCC.
  • McKinstry was recently inducted into the KCKCC Athletic Hall of Fame.

The players

Joe McKinstry

The new head coach of the KCKCC women's basketball team, known for his championship-winning tenure with the Blue Devils from 2015 to 2020.

Greg McVey

The Director of Athletics at KCKCC, who expressed excitement about welcoming McKinstry back to lead the women's basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“I think the main thing for me is, it feels like going home. 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.”

— Joe McKinstry, Head Women's Basketball Coach, KCKCC

“We are thrilled to welcome back Joe McKinstry to KCKCC as the leader of our women's basketball program. 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.”

— Greg McVey, Director of Athletics, KCKCC

What’s next

McKinstry and the KCKCC women's basketball team will begin preparing for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with the goal of continuing the program's championship-winning tradition.

The takeaway

McKinstry's return to KCKCC represents an exciting new chapter for the women's basketball program, as the legendary coach brings his championship pedigree and proven track record of developing student-athletes both on and off the court. The Blue Devils will look to build on their strong foundation and compete at the highest level under McKinstry's leadership.