Katie McKee — Climbing the DUPR Leaderboards
Katie McKee has made a remarkable return to competitive pickleball. Currently ranked #1 on the DUPR 18 leaderboard and #3 nationwide across all divisions, she has proven that dedication, resilience, and a strong tennis foundation can propel a player to the top.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Katie’s journey began on the tennis courts. Starting at age 10, she went on to play two years at Cowley County Community College and two more at Division II Emporia State University. That background gave her key advantages when she transitioned to pickleball.
“The mechanics of hitting baseline drives felt familiar,” Katie explains. “Court spacing with my doubles partner carried over naturally, too. And mentally, I had already learned how to stay calm in high-pressure situations and focus on just one point at a time.”
Still, not everything transferred smoothly. “The biggest challenge was being overly aggressive,” she admits. “In tennis, you can get away with bigger swings and going for more winners. In pickleball, patience is critical—you have to know when to pull the trigger.”
A Break, a Comeback, and a New Era of Pickleball
Katie first competed in professional pickleball in 2018–2019, before the rise of APP, PPA, MLP, and DUPR. With limited opportunities back then, she stepped away in 2019. Part of that time was spent recovering from ACL reconstruction and months of rehabilitation.
When she returned in 2024, she found a transformed landscape. “Back then, the only indoor courts I had access to were at the original Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City. Now, we have multiple indoor facilities, open play, and plenty of cash tournaments. The growth has been explosive.”
Her comeback goals were clear. “I wanted to hit 4.5 within a year after knee surgery—and I quickly surpassed that. Now my goal is 5.0 and competing in DUPR 20 MiLP tournaments.”
Rising to the Top of DUPR 18
Katie’s return to competition started almost immediately after she was cleared to play. Released by doctors on March 31, 2024, she entered her first women’s-only DUPR 18 MiLP tournament just two weeks later. By June, she was back competing at 5.0 tournaments like the Meijer State Games of Michigan.
Now she holds the #1 spot on the DUPR 18 leaderboard, crediting consistent drilling and training partners in Kansas City for her rapid improvement. “I had to learn to play less aggressively and focus on reducing unforced errors. Reps and muscle memory made all the difference.”
Paddle of Choice
Katie currently plays with the TMPR Nimbus, a 16mm paddle with a Cloud Weave™ surface and foam-injected perimeter. “It’s an all-court paddle that gives me great touch for dinking and resets. I still use the TC-14 Pro in singles, since it gives me a little more power, but for doubles, the Nimbus fits perfectly.”
The Kansas City Pickleball Community
A big part of Katie’s story is her community. “Kansas City pickleball is amazing—supportive, welcoming, and competitive,” she says. Her longtime friend and partner, Scott Maschmann, played a crucial role in her comeback.
“Scott didn’t hesitate to sign up for 5.0 tournaments with me, even when I was still regaining mobility. He always believed we could compete at a high level, and that gave me a huge confidence boost.”
Life Off the Court
Off the court, Katie balances her athletic pursuits with a career as an Operations Analyst at Commenco. She also strength trains regularly and is a devoted Kansas sports fan, cheering for the University of Kansas, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Royals.
Some of her favorite memories are sports-related: attending the 2015 World Series with her family, experiencing the atmosphere of March Madness, and getting a Novak Djokovic autograph at the U.S. Open.
Looking Ahead
With her comeback well underway and DUPR rankings soaring, Katie is determined to keep pushing. Her discipline, resilience, and ability to adapt have positioned her as one of the fastest-rising players in the sport.
As she sets her sights on DUPR 20 and beyond, one thing is clear: Katie McKee’s story is just getting started.