Kansas City's Katie McKee has always been drawn to a good competition or a long drive.

McKee has traveled extensively throughout the Midwest competing in Minor League Pickleball (MiLP). Since January 2026, McKee has logged 5,370 miles to participate in DUPR 18 Minor League events and has played 121 DUPR 18 matches, while maintaining a 69.42% win rate in DUPR 18 matches through August 15. This level of consistency has earned McKee the #1 ranked position in DUPR 18.

Rebuilding Her Game With Pickleball

Prior to her introduction to the world of pickleball, McKee was a competitive tennis player. During her collegiate years, McKee became a nationally ranked player, reaching #2 in the nation in NJCAA doubles at Cowley College. After completing her first two years of college, McKee transferred to Emporia State University to complete her remaining two years of eligibility. McKee's senior season was interrupted due to a torn ACL during basketball conditioning, requiring surgery and nine months of physical therapy. As a result, McKee chose not to utilize her final year of athletic eligibility.

Years later, McKee suffered a torn ACL in her left leg while participating in pickleball. Again, she underwent surgery and required approximately nine months to rehabilitate her knee. However, unlike her previous experience, McKee began competing in pickleball shortly after receiving medical clearance to do so, just under two weeks after her doctor gave her the "OK." Kat Tomlin, Director of Pickleball at Genesis Clayview, encouraged McKee to join Maddy Beasley, Caitlin Tenorio and Casey Parnell for a DUPR 18 women's MiLP event.

When McKee competed in that initial event, her DUPR rating was around 3.7, she was still using a large knee brace and admitted she wasn't even close to being in pickleball condition. Yet, McKee was looking for a sense of community.

"I was looking for a community, and I knew I had found my people," McKee stated.

Building Her Path to Being a #1 Ranked Player

As a resident of Kansas City, McKee finds it relatively convenient to travel to various MiLP events located throughout the Midwest, including events held in St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Wichita and Springfield. As such, McKee attempts to participate in as many events as possible when her schedule permits.

McKee has developed relationships with other players throughout these locations. Thus far in 2026, McKee has partnered with 23 players from six cities. For example, earlier this summer, McKee participated in six consecutive weekends of MiLP competitions, visiting Kansas City, Tulsa, St. Louis and Oklahoma City.

All that travel adds up. McKee estimates that she has spent approximately $555 on gas driving to DUPR 18 Minor League events throughout 2026.

Why McKee Continues to Participate in MiLP Competitions

For McKee, there are several factors that contribute to her desire to continue competing in MiLP competitions.

"The team aspect of MiLP provides an experience that cannot be replicated with traditional doubles competitions," McKee said. "The energy is incredible."

Additionally, McKee enjoys the strategy involved with each game, from the beginning of the match with the coin flip to determining whether to choose home or away and deciding quickly how best to line up her team against its opponents.

"How well your team matches up against your opponent is crucial; likewise, you have limited time to decide on your lineup strategy," McKee explained.

The MiLP format brings this team strategy into every competition, with divisions structured around players' combined DUPR ratings.

Where Does McKee Go From Here?

In addition to pickleball competitions, McKee works full time as a business and operations analyst and maintains two part-time positions. She competes locally in Kansas City at Life Time Lenexa, Char Bar and SW19, as well as Agora in Grandview.

McKee is planning to travel to Mesa for the MiLP Championships. Additionally, McKee will turn 40 in March and will then be eligible for the new 40+ division of Champions Series Pickleball (CSP). Although Kansas City hosts its own CSP team, the Stingers, McKee is leaving all options open.

"I'm open to playing for any city," she said.