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Kansas City Roos
Kansas City Roos
from Wikipedia

The Kansas City Roos, known before July 1, 2019, as the UMKC Kangaroos and also sometimes called the Kansas City Kangaroos,[4] are the intercollegiate teams representing the University of Missouri–Kansas City that compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The Roos formerly competed in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) but, as of July 1, 2020 the Kansas City Roos became members of the Summit League in all 14 varsity sports.[5]

Key Information

Sports

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As a member of the Summit League the University of Missouri–Kansas City sponsors six men's and eight women's teams in NCAA-sanctioned sports.[6]

Men's sports Women's sports
Basketball Basketball
Cross country Cross country
Golf Soccer
Soccer Softball
Track and Field Tennis
Volleyball
Track and Field
† = Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor.

Soccer

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Men's soccer was a member of the NCAA Division I Summit League from 1994 to 2013, and won the league men's soccer championships in 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2010.[7] The team then played seven seasons in the NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference, returning to the Summit League in 2020.[7] The team set an NCAA record on October 12, 2001, with the fastest trio of goals scored in Division I soccer during the MLS era, by scoring three times in 1:46 against Valparaiso University.[8]

Conference affiliations

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Name

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The nickname was chosen in the 1930s for the school's debate team, following the acquisition of two baby kangaroos by the Kansas City Zoo.[9]

The school has long branded itself for athletic purposes as "UMKC", but in June 2019, shortly before it announced its return to the Summit League, it unveiled a new logo and branding strategy emphasizing "Kansas City",[10] and officially unveiled its full rebranding as the Kansas City Roos on July 1 of that year.[4]

While its previous conference, the WAC, used "UMKC", its current conference, the Summit League, uses "Kansas City". As part of the 2019 rebranding, the program is now known as Kansas City Athletics. Teams will be known as the Kansas City Roos, with "Roos" having long been used as a short form for the historic nickname of Kangaroos.[4] The national media had been inconsistent in usage prior to the 2019 rebranding.

References

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from Grokipedia
The Kansas City Roos are the intercollegiate athletic teams of the (UMKC), representing the institution in competition as the only such program in the . Formerly known as the UMKC , the athletics department rebranded to Kansas City Athletics on July 1, 2019, adopting the Roos moniker to emphasize ties to the local community while retaining the as its mascot, now stylized as KC Roo. The program sponsors 14 varsity teams—six for men and eight for women—across a variety of sports, including , cross country, , soccer, , and for both genders; and for women only. UMKC's athletics history dates back to the university's integration into the in 1963, with full transition to status occurring in 1987, during which time the Roos have secured more than 30 conference championships. The program was a founding member of the (then Mid-Continent Conference) from 1994 to 2013, briefly competed in the (WAC) from 2013 to 2020, and rejoined the on July 1, 2020, as its ninth full member. Notable successes include multiple titles in men's soccer, women's golf, and other sports; in 2025, the men's soccer team shared the regular season title and advanced to the conference championship final, alongside strong academic performance, such as a 95% success rate and 154 student-athletes named to the 2023–24 Academic Honor Roll. The Roos compete at Swinney Recreation Center for and , Durwood Soccer Stadium for soccer, and various regional venues for other events, fostering community engagement through partnerships with local professional teams like the , Royals, and Sporting KC.

Overview

University affiliation

The Kansas City Roos represent the athletic program of the (UMKC), a public research university in . UMKC traces its origins to the University of Kansas City, which was founded on October 1, 1933, as a private institution focused on liberal arts and professional education. In 1963, the University of Kansas City merged with the , becoming the University of Missouri–Kansas City and the fourth campus in the statewide network, thereby gaining public status and expanded resources. This affiliation integrates the Roos' athletics directly with UMKC's academic mission, emphasizing the development of student-athletes within a comprehensive urban university environment. The Roos have competed at the level since 1987, marking UMKC's transition from NAIA membership to the highest tier of collegiate athletics. The program currently fields 12 varsity teams, consisting of five men's sports—, cross country, , soccer, and —and seven women's sports—, cross country, soccer, , , , and . These teams compete in the , which the Roos joined in 2020 following a period in the . UMKC's athletics program supports roughly 220 student-athletes who must adhere to NCAA academic eligibility standards to participate. These requirements include completing 16 core high school courses, achieving a minimum 2.3 GPA in those core courses, and maintaining progress toward a degree, such as earning 40% of required credits by the end of the sophomore year. Student-athletes receive academic support through UMKC's resources, including advising and , to ensure integration with the university's undergraduate and graduate programs while balancing athletic commitments.

Athletic branding

The athletic teams of the adopted the "" nickname in 1936, inspired by the arrival of two baby kangaroos at the Swope Park Zoo in Kansas City, which sparked student interest in selecting a that symbolized agility and spirit for the university's team and later athletics. In June 2019, the program shortened the moniker to "Roos" as part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening ties to the , emphasizing local pride and creating a more concise, marketable identity for national recognition. This shift from "Kangaroos" to "Roos" was developed through collaboration with branding experts and input from over 11,000 fans and members, reflecting the university's commitment to embodying strength, determination, and regional connection. The official colors of the Kansas City Roos are (PMS 301), (PMS 123), and white, with accents in select applications; these evolved from the original blue and palette established during the University of Kansas City era in , which was later refined to include deeper tones and for added versatility in uniforms and merchandise by the 2000s. serves as the dominant hue to evoke and , while provides a strong, professional base, aligning with the program's emphasis on competitive excellence and community representation. Logo designs for the Roos have featured kangaroo motifs since the 1930s, with early versions depicting simple, stylized marsupials in blue and gold to capture the nickname's origins. Through the mid-20th century and into the , logos evolved to include full-body "fighting kangaroo" figures with raised fists, often incorporating university initials like "UKC" or "UMKC" in dynamic poses to symbolize tenacity. The current primary logo, introduced in 2019, presents a modern kangaroo-inspired "KC Roo" design where the animal's head and ears form the interlocking "KC" letters in navy and gold, blending historical elements with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic developed by Old Hat Creative to enhance visibility and appeal. This mascot logo, the smallest element in the branding system, measures at least one inch and is used across apparel, facilities, and digital platforms. The live mascot character, KC Roo, personifies this visual identity in game-day appearances and events.

History

Origins and early years

The University of Kansas City (UKC), a private institution, was established in 1933, with its first classes commencing on of that year and an initial enrollment of 264 students. In its early years, the university lacked formal athletic programs, instead featuring informal club sports and student activities such as debate teams and yearbook committees, which fostered a sense of amid the institution's modest beginnings. The adoption of the Kangaroos nickname in 1936 marked a pivotal moment for UKC's emerging identity, driven by student initiative and local inspiration. Prompted by the arrival of baby at the Kansas City Zoo, which generated widespread community excitement as covered in , students selected the to symbolize agility and "jumping" enthusiasm, with the name "Kasey" chosen to rhyme with K.C.U., the common abbreviation for the university. The debate team first embraced the , followed by the yearbook featuring it on its cover, and in 1937, contributed a hand-drawn sketch of the character, solidifying its place in school lore. This endured through the program's , including the 2019 rebranding to the Kansas City Roos while retaining the kangaroo motif. Formal intercollegiate athletics at UKC began in 1969 with the introduction of varsity men's as the program's first team, following the university's integration into the on July 25, 1963, when it became the (UMKC). Prior to the expansions, sports remained sparse, with as the cornerstone and few additional varsity options available.

Conference affiliations and transitions

The Kansas City Roos athletics program began as an independent member of the (NAIA) upon its launch in 1969, operating without conference affiliation through the 1985–86 academic year. In a significant transition, the program shifted directly from NAIA to (NCAA) Division I status starting in the 1986–87 season, competing as an independent until joining a conference in 1994. This move marked a bold leap, bypassing the typical intermediate step of competition, and positioned the Roos for higher-level national exposure while requiring adjustments in recruiting, scheduling, and resource allocation. From the 1994–95 season through the 2012–13 academic year, the Roos competed in the Mid-Continent Conference, which rebranded as the in 2007, establishing a stable regional footprint with schools primarily in the Midwest. Seeking expanded competitive opportunities and media exposure, the program transitioned to the (WAC) effective July 1, 2013, for the 2013–14 season, participating in all except football, which the Roos do not sponsor. The WAC era involved extensive travel across a geographically diverse membership, often spanning multiple time zones, which increased operational costs and logistical challenges for non-revenue sports. In June 2019, the Roos announced their departure from the WAC, effective , 2020, and return to the for the 2020–21 season onward, reinstating all 14 varsity sports in the conference. This reversion emphasized reduced travel distances, fostering more regional rivalries and sustainable scheduling that benefits student-athlete welfare and program budgeting. Upon rejoining, the Roos gained immediate eligibility for championships and postseason consideration, enabling quicker integration into conference play without a transition period. These shifts have influenced competitive balance, with the Summit League's Midwest focus allowing for more consistent rivalries and attendance boosts compared to the WAC's broader footprint.
Academic YearsAffiliationNotes
1969–1986NAIA IndependentProgram launch and early competition without conference ties.
1987–1994 IndependentDirect transition from NAIA to .
1994–2013 (formerly Mid-Continent Conference)Initial conference membership in .
2013–2020Non-football membership; heavy travel demands.
2020–present (as of 2025)Return for all sports; immediate championship eligibility.

Varsity teams

Men's teams

The Kansas City Roos field six men's varsity teams in as members of the , offering student-athletes opportunities within a enrollment of approximately 14,900 students. These programs operate under NCAA scholarship limits, with allocations varying by sport—such as up to 13 full scholarships for and 9.9 equivalency scholarships for soccer—to support competitive rosters. Recruitment efforts prioritize regional talent from the Midwest, supplemented by national prospects, emphasizing academic fit alongside athletic potential to align with the university's emphasis on student success. The men's basketball program competes in and plays home games at the Swinney Recreation Center, a 1,800-seat facility on campus. Established in the mid-1960s as part of the university's early athletic expansion, the team transitioned to Division I status in 1987 and has since focused on building through disciplined play and roster development. , appointed in April 2022, leads the program in his fourth season, bringing experience from prior roles at New Mexico State and UNLV to foster a fast-paced, defensive-oriented style. The Roos emphasize team chemistry and player growth, with recent seasons highlighting scoring outbursts, such as a 91-point performance against in November 2025. Men's cross country is a fall sport within the , where the team competes in regional invitational meets to prepare for conference and potential NCAA postseason qualification. Coached by Benaud Shirley, the program trains on local courses and emphasizes endurance building through Missouri's varied terrain. In the 2025 season, the Roos placed seventh at the Championships, with standout performances in events like the Gans Creek Classic and Rumble Collegiate Meet, showcasing depth in midfield pack running. The sport serves as a key entry point for distance runners transitioning to indoor . The men's team participates as a spring sport in the , competing in multi-day invitational tournaments across the Midwest to hone precision and course management. Under J.W. VanDenBorn, who has led the program for over two decades, the Roos target consistent scoring in stroke-play formats, with recent outings including the Wildcat Invitational and GitRDone Invitational. The team focuses on individual development and team totals, aiming for top finishes in conference play while providing exposure to professional-level venues. Scholarships support a mix of walk-ons and recruited players, prioritizing low handicaps and mental resilience. Men's soccer, also in the Summit League, plays home matches at Durwood Soccer Stadium, a modern facility accommodating over 1,000 spectators with premium viewing options. Head coach Ryan Pore, hired in January 2020, has elevated the program through tactical innovation and player retention, earning Coach of the Year honors for the second straight year in 2025. The team secured its first regular-season conference title since 2008 in 2025 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2024, marking a historic postseason run with defensive solidity and counterattacking prowess. Recent successes include a fourth consecutive championship match appearance in November 2025, highlighted by a 2-0 of No. 3 Delaware. The men's program encompasses both indoor and outdoor seasons in the , with competitions in sprints, distance, and field events at regional and conference meets. Led by Benaud Shirley since 2020, the team has achieved breakthroughs in sprinting, including school records in the 60m, 200m, and 400m during the 2025 indoor campaign. Tory Lanham earned Indoor Championships MVP honors for his performances in the 200m, while field events like the have seen consistent medal contention. The program qualifies athletes for NCAA West Preliminaries, emphasizing multisport crossover from cross country and holistic training for peak performance. Men's tennis competes in the , playing dual matches and tournaments at regional venues, with home events at the Swinney Recreation Center indoor courts and campus outdoor facilities. Kendell Hale, in his 20th season as of 2025, leads an 8-player roster focused on singles and doubles strategies to secure conference wins and individual accolades. The program emphasizes technical skill development and , with recent participation in events like the ITA Midwest Regional providing postseason opportunities.

Women's teams

The women's athletic programs at the Kansas City Roos, part of the , encompass eight varsity sports in competition within the . These programs have grown substantially since the 1970s, aligning with mandates for gender equity in collegiate athletics, which spurred the addition and expansion of women's teams to provide balanced participation opportunities. Current rosters across the sports typically range from 8 to 30 athletes, reflecting the diverse demands of each discipline and supporting a total of over 130 female student-athletes annually. Basketball competes as a Division I program at the Swinney Recreation Center, a multi-purpose venue shared with men's teams that seats approximately 1,900 for games. Led by Dionnah Jackson-Durrett in her fourth season as of 2025, the team features a 17-player roster emphasizing balanced offense and defensive strategies in play. Cross country operates in the Summit League alongside the men's team but with tailored coaching for women's endurance training and technique. Benaud Shirley oversees a roster of 9 athletes, focusing on regional meets and building stamina for championship distances like the 6K. Soccer plays home matches at Durwood Soccer Stadium, an on-campus facility with and seating for over 1,000 spectators. Under head coach , in her sixth season, the 27-player squad has earned recognition for solid defensive performances, including multiple shutouts in conference tournaments and all-league honors for backline players. Softball, a spring sport, hosts games at the Urban Youth Academy Softball Complex, a community-oriented venue in Kansas City emphasizing pitching development and hitting consistency. Head coach Kiki Stokes O'Connor guides a 25-player roster, with team stats highlighting competitive batting averages around .250 and ERA metrics in the mid-3.00s during recent Summit League seasons. Tennis utilizes both indoor courts at the Swinney Recreation Center and outdoor facilities on campus for dual matches and practice. Head coach Kendell Hale, in his 18th season, directs an 8-player team that prioritizes doubles play in conference competition, where paired strategies have contributed to several Summit League victories. Track and field shares Durwood Stadium for outdoor events and indoor facilities for winter training, competing in sprints, jumps, throws, and distance races. Coached by Benaud Shirley, the 30-athlete women's roster has demonstrated particular strength in distance events, with standout performances in the 800m, 1500m, and 5000m at meets like the Rock Chalk Classic. Volleyball is a fall sport played at the Swinney Recreation Center, leveraging its gymnasium for high-energy matches. Christi Posey, marking her 15th season, leads a 22-player team noted for effective blocking, which has anchored defensive efforts in close contests. Golf competes as a spring sport in the , participating in invitational tournaments across the Midwest to develop course strategy and consistency. Brianna Portmann, in her 15th season as of 2025, oversees a roster of approximately 8 players, with the team achieving multiple top-10 finishes in recent conference events and focusing on individual stroke improvement for postseason qualification.

Facilities

Basketball and indoor venues

The Swinney Recreation Center, opened in 1941 and named after donor E. F. Swinney, serves as the primary indoor venue for the Kansas City Roos' and programs. With a of 1,600, the center's main gymnasium hosts home games for both the men's and teams as well as the women's team. The men's team relocated its games to the on-campus facility in 2010, following a period at the off-campus Municipal Auditorium, to foster a more intimate and energetic atmosphere. The facility encompasses multiple features tailored to athletic needs, including five multipurpose courts, two weight rooms, a cardio room, four courts, and a 25-yard indoor/outdoor pool. It also houses the Dutton Avenue Academic Center, which provides study spaces, tutoring, and academic support services exclusively for student-athletes. A suspended indoor track and locker rooms further enhance its role as a comprehensive hub for Roos athletics administration, coaching staff, and training activities. Over the years, the Swinney Recreation Center has undergone several renovations to modernize its infrastructure. In 2010, a $500,000 project installed new and court flooring, along with updated basketball goals and volleyball standards. The north lobby received upgrades in 2019, incorporating new branding, graphics, and displays highlighting UMKC athletics history and achievements.

Outdoor and multi-sport venues

The Kansas City Roos utilize several outdoor facilities for their soccer, , , and programs, emphasizing multi-purpose spaces that support both varsity competition and al activities. Durwood Soccer Stadium serves as the primary venue for the men's and women's soccer teams, featuring an 850-seat capacity, synthetic turf surface installed in 2009 and upgraded with CORE in 2020, and lighting for evening matches. In 2025, enhancements included the addition of Cupini's Club pitch-side lounge, private 12-person suites in the press box, and alcohol sales at concessions to improve the fan experience. The stadium also includes a surrounding 350-meter, four-lane synthetic track used for practices and informal meets, integrating soccer and running events in a shared environment. Softball competitions take place at the Urban Youth Academy Softball Complex, a multi-field venue in Kansas City that provides dedicated space for the Roos' home games with covered dugouts and basic spectator seating to accommodate regional matchups. For track and field events beyond the Durwood track, the program accesses for indoor competitions, allowing flexibility in hosting meets while prioritizing on-campus resources for training. The men's and women's golf teams practice and compete at local courses such as Firethorn Golf Club and Quail Valley Golf Club, which offer driving ranges, putting greens, and full 18-hole layouts for skill development and tournaments. These off-campus sites support year-round preparation without dedicated university-owned greens, focusing on accessible public and private options in the Kansas City area. Many of these venues double as multi-sport and community hubs; for instance, Durwood Stadium hosts intramural soccer, flag football, and track events for students, as well as public rentals for youth leagues and special gatherings, enhancing its role beyond varsity athletics. The Urban Youth Academy Softball Complex similarly accommodates youth baseball and softball tournaments, fostering broader engagement in the region. This shared-use model promotes efficient resource allocation while integrating university sports with local recreational needs.

Traditions and rivalries

Mascot and spirit

The Kansas City Roos' , KC Roo, traces its origins to 1936, when students at the University of Kansas City—now the —proposed the as a symbol inspired by the local zoo's acquisition of two baby , aiming for a unique emblem that captured the school's energetic spirit. The costumed character first appeared in the late , evolving through various designs over the decades, including a "Flyin' Roo" version in the 1990s and 2000s that emphasized athletic prowess. In 2020, the underwent a significant from "Kasey the " to KC Roo, adopting a more modern, urban aesthetic with a sleek, city-inspired look to reflect Kansas City's vibrant identity while maintaining the 's playful and powerful traits. Spirit at Roos events is driven by dedicated squads that foster enthusiasm across campus. The Rowdy Roos student section, composed of current students, leads interactive cheering at home games, promoting Roo pride through high-energy participation in theme nights, giveaways, and celebrations to create an electric game-day atmosphere. Complementing this are the squad and team, which perform routines at athletic events; the team, for instance, achieved national recognition as D1 champions in 2017 and continues to energize crowds under dedicated coaching. These groups, integral to the program's culture since the 1970s expansion of women's athletics, collaborate to amplify support for all Roos teams. Key traditions unite fans and reinforce Roos identity. The official , "Kangarooters," established in 2018 and adapted from an earlier pre-1963 version, features lyrics like "Go Kangaroos, fighting for the gold and blue," performed by bands at home games to rally supporters. The UMKC , composed in 1940, is sung alongside it at events to honor the university's heritage. Pep rallies occur during Blue and Gold Week in late , featuring concerts, exhibits, and the Regalia Run, while "Roo Up" Fridays encourage wearing blue attire to show ongoing spirit; the signature "Roo Up" hand —index and pinky fingers extended—symbolizes unity at games. Fan engagement enhances the communal experience, with initiatives like the KC Corner Kick Club providing tailgate-style hors d'oeuvres and drinks at men's soccer matches to build pre-game excitement at Durwood Soccer Stadium. Similar gatherings occur for , drawing dedicated supporters; attendance at soccer games often exceeds 700, as seen in a 2025 matchup against Missouri State that drew 718 fans, reflecting steady community involvement despite the program's Division I status. Free entry for students via the Rowdy Roos section further boosts participation at venues like Swinney Recreation Center.

Key rivalries

The Kansas City Roos' most prominent in-state rivalry in men's basketball is with the Missouri State Bears, stemming from their shared roots and historical matchups dating back to the early 1990s. Although the teams no longer compete in the same conference—Missouri State in the and the Roos in the —the series has featured competitive non-conference games, with Kansas City holding a 2–10 all-time record as of 2003. The Roos' victories came in close contests, including a 70–65 win in 1999 and a 69–63 triumph in 2001, highlighting the intensity of these regional clashes despite the lopsided overall tally. Recent interactions have extended to other sports, such as men's soccer, where Kansas City defeated Missouri State 2–1 in 2025, underscoring ongoing in-state competitive dynamics. Within the Summit League, the Roos' fiercest conference rivalry is with the , a matchup rooted in the league's Mid-Continent Conference era from 1994 to 2013 and reignited upon Kansas City's return in 2020. The all-time men's series stands at 15–30 in favor of as of March 2025, with Kansas City posting an 8–14 home record and 6–16 away, including an 11–29 conference mark. This rivalry extends to soccer, where both teams vie for supremacy, but games have been particularly heated, featuring multiple tight finishes. Post-2020, the series has intensified with Kansas City securing five wins in 10 meetings, including a 73–56 tournament victory in March 2025 that advanced the Roos in the postseason. The return to the has amplified these battles, fostering renewed fan engagement and competitive stakes in conference play. The border-state series against the represents a cultural and geographic , reflecting the Kansas City area's position astride the -Missouri state line and the historic tensions between the two states. In men's basketball, Kansas City has faced in non-conference and exhibition games since 1992, compiling an 0–9 record as of December 2023, with the most recent loss a 69–88 defeat in Lawrence. These matchups, often played at neutral sites like Swinney Recreation Center or away in Lawrence, emphasize the local "Show-Me State vs. Sunflower State" angle, though the ' dominance has kept the series one-sided. The draws on broader regional , including the pre-Civil War border conflicts, adding a layer of intrigue to occasional renewals of the series.

References

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