OSKALOOSA, IA — William Penn Athletics Director Nik Rule has announced the hiring of Joe McKinstry as Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

McKinstry returns to WPU as one of the most successful coaches in the last decade in the NJCAA, most notably winning two national championships at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

“Coach McKinstry has such a passion for this University; it is so genuine and his desire to create an amazing experience for the student-athletes was evident in our conversations,” Rule said.  “He has won multiple national championships as a coach and understands how to balance getting the most out of his players and showing them that he cares about them as people. We are excited to have him back at WPU and believe his passion will benefit our entire department.”

McKinstry was the head women’s basketball coach at Kansas City Kansas Community College from 2016-2021.  During his six-year tenure, he posted a 151-42 record, including winning the 2016 and 2019 NJCAA Division II national championships.  He also led the team to nationals in 2021 where it finished ninth.

While at KCKCC, McKinstry was twice named Spalding NJCAA Women’s Division II National Coach of the Year as well as Coach of the National Tournament.  Additionally, he was chosen as NJCAA District Coach of the Year three times (2016, 2019, 2021) and Kansas East Jayhawk Conference Coach of the Year once (2019).  His teams appeared in the national ranking 66 times over his six seasons (88% of the time) and were in the top 10 in 50 rankings (67%).

He coached one National Player of the Year, four All-Americans, five all-national tournament selections (two MVPs), 13 all-region performers, 14 all-conference picks, one conference MVP selection, and one conference Defensive Player of the Year.

McKinstry arrived at KCKCC as an assistant men’s coach for the 2014-2015 campaign and helped the Blue Devils to a 23-9 mark and a conference runner-up finish.  KCKCC would also finish as regional runner-up.  He coached two all-conference selections and four all-region performers.

“I am extremely thankful and excited for this opportunity,” McKinstry said. “Anyone who knows me, knows how much this place means to me.  I would like to thank Athletic Director Nik Rule and President John Ottosson for this opportunity.  This is a title and responsibility that means the world to me and I cannot wait to represent William Penn each and every day.  I would also like to thank Coach John Henry for believing in me all those years ago.  I truly would not be in this position if it were not for his belief in me.”

McKinstry most recently served as the top assistant women’s basketball coach at powerhouse Johnson County Community College this past year.  At JCCC, he helped the Lady Cavaliers to a 33-3 mark and a trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Quarterfinals.  McKinstry guided three players to all-conference recognition and one player to an All-America laurel.

Prior to his stint at JCCC, McKinstry was the head coach at his alma mater Oak Park High School, while also heading the Missouri Phenom club team, one of the premier girls’ basketball programs in the country.

He returns to his collegiate alma mater of William Penn (2006 graduate with a degree in Physical Education), where he served as Associate Head Men’s Coach from 2007-2013.  In his original stint, the Statesmen owned a 161-76 mark and made four NAIA Division II National Championship appearances, including a trip to the title game (34 wins) in 2012-2013.

With his assistance, WPU won two league titles and two conference tournament crowns.  McKinstry coached two conference Players of the Year, two conference Newcomers of the Year, nine NAIA Scholar-Athletes, and 63 academic all-conference student-athletes.  Also during that time, nine William Penn players went on to play professionally around the world.

As a player at WPU, McKinstry was the starting point guard for three seasons.  He was part of the program’s reemergence, helping take the team from 2-30 in his freshman year to 20-15 as a senior.  The 20 wins were the most for the program since the 1980-1981 season.  At the end of his playing career, he ranked in the top 10 in career assists, steals, and three-pointers made.

McKinstry also obtained his Master’s of Business Leadership degree from William Penn in 2013.

“My goal is for our players to have the same passion and gratefulness for our program, as well as the William Penn community as a whole, that I had when I was here,” McKinstry said.