The Kansas City Roos, the athletic program representing the University of Missouri–Kansas City, have steadily emerged as a respected and competitive force in NCAA Division I athletics. With an identity rooted in urban grit, academic excellence, and athletic ambition, the Roos have charted a course toward mid-major prominence, reshaping perceptions and expanding their influence in collegiate sports.
Formerly known as the UMKC Kangaroos, the program underwent a strategic rebranding in 2019, adopting the name Kansas City Roos to better reflect its deep connection to the city. The change was more than cosmetic—it marked a renewed commitment to athletics and a bid to unify the community under a bolder, more resonant banner. This rebranding coincided with the school’s return to the Summit League in 2020 after seven years in the Western Athletic Conference. The move brought the Roos back to more regionally aligned competition, reigniting rivalries and building familiarity among fans.
At the heart of the Roos’ resurgence is an institutional drive for growth. Led by Athletic Director Brandon Martin, Kansas City’s athletic department has embraced a comprehensive vision to elevate its programs. Martin has emphasized the importance of high-performance culture, competitive facilities, and academic integrity, all while navigating the increasingly complex landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. His aspiration is to position Kansas City among elite mid-majors, standing shoulder to shoulder with programs like Dayton, Butler, and Gonzaga.
Nowhere is this vision more evident than in men’s basketball. When Kansas City hired Marvin Menzies in 2022, it signaled a desire to bring in a seasoned leader with NCAA Tournament experience and a proven track record. Menzies had guided New Mexico State to multiple tournament appearances and had also led UNLV. His arrival in Kansas City was met with anticipation, and almost immediately, signs of progress began to appear. In his first season, Menzies laid the foundation for a disciplined, competitive team. That year ended with a modest Summit League showing, but the signs were clear: the Roos were building something sustainable.
The following season, Kansas City surged. With a core led by dynamic young talent, including standout freshman Jamar Brown and impactful newcomers like Jayson Petty, the Roos finished the regular season at 16–16, including an impressive 10–6 conference record. They closed the season on a six-game winning streak, entering the Summit League tournament as the second seed—one of their best conference finishes in years. Menzies was rewarded with the Summit League Coach of the Year award, becoming only the second Kansas City coach to earn that recognition. Brown won Freshman of the Year, Petty was honored as Newcomer of the Year, and Khristion Courseault took home Sixth Man of the Year. These accolades were more than just individual milestones—they were validation of a team transforming into a contender.
Despite a tougher 2024–25 season, which saw the Roos finish 13–20 overall and 4–12 in league play, they managed to score a meaningful win in the Summit League tournament by upsetting Oral Roberts. Their journey ended in the next round against Omaha, but the program’s direction remained clear. With preseason polls placing Kansas City at the top of the Summit standings heading into the season, the Roos were beginning to command real respect.
Beyond basketball, Kansas City has found excellence in other sports—particularly men’s soccer. The program reached unprecedented heights in 2024 under head coach Ryan Pore. After claiming the Summit League championship, the Roos advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008. They didn’t stop there. Kansas City defeated Saint Louis in the first round, advanced to the Round of 32, and ultimately reached the Sweet 16—a program-best showing on the national stage. Pore’s leadership earned him Summit League Coach of the Year honors and elevated the men’s soccer team to a new level of relevance both locally and nationally.
The rise of the Roos has been fueled not only by coaching and talent but also by investments in facilities and resources. The Swinney Recreation Center serves as the primary home for men’s and women’s basketball, providing an intimate and energized atmosphere. Durwood Soccer Stadium, named after philanthropist Stanley Durwood, is a modern soccer-specific venue that matches the ambition of the university’s soccer programs. Other venues such as the Urban Youth Academy Softball Complex, Plaza Tennis Center, and Hy-Vee Arena complement the school’s growing sports infrastructure. These facilities not only support athletes but also engage fans and help recruit top-tier talent.
Off the field, Kansas City Roos athletes have excelled academically. In the 2023–24 season, more than 150 student-athletes were named to the Summit League Academic Honor Roll. The balance of athletic success with academic achievement underscores the university’s holistic approach to student development. It reflects an environment where excellence is expected in all areas—competition, classroom, and character.
Women’s sports have also seen significant growth. Women’s basketball, now under the direction of head coach Dionnah Jackson-Durrett, continues to build momentum. The volleyball and golf programs are competitive within the league, and the track and field team continues to show promise. As with men’s sports, these programs benefit from improved facilities, stronger recruiting, and a more defined institutional commitment to excellence.
Looking forward, the trajectory of Kansas City athletics is unmistakable. The pieces are in place: seasoned coaching, motivated athletes, administrative backing, upgraded facilities, and a reenergized fan base. What was once a program largely overlooked in Division I circles is now a program with expectations, momentum, and a legitimate chance to become a staple in postseason conversations.
For the Kansas City Roos, the path to mid-major prominence is no longer theoretical—it is real and unfolding. With every victory, with every standout performance, and with every new recruit, the Roos are inching closer to national relevance. This is not just about winning games; it’s about reshaping an identity, rallying a city, and building something lasting.
The Kansas City Roos have arrived. Not as underdogs hoping to get noticed, but as a proud program writing its own future. The climb has not been easy, but the destination is in sight. Roo Up.
