Sophomore on Kentucky dance team dies at 20 after battle with cancer

Kate Kaufling, a sophomore on the University of Kentucky dance team, died Sunday at age 20, the school announced Monday.

Kaufling, from Assumption High School in Louisville, fought osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

She joined the UK dance team last fall, along with her twin sister, Abbey.

“Kate was a joy to coach and to be around. Her smile could light up a room and she was beloved by all of her UKDT teammates,” UK dance team head coach Dawn Walters said in a news release. “We are all saddened by Kate’s passing. We will remember her for the tough battle she fought with osteosarcoma over the past year. She was brave until the very end and all of us can draw inspiration from the courageous battle that she fought. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with the Kaufling family.”

Funeral arrangements were pending at the time of UK’s announcement. Kaufling is survived by her parents, Holly and Steve Kaufling, and sister, Abbey.

“In addition to being a talented dancer, Kate was also an amazing student, in the College of Nursing, who took her academics very seriously,” UK executive associate athletics director Sandy Bell said. “Even during her cancer treatments, Kate kept up with her studies, setting an amazing example for her teammates. Kate was beloved by all who knew her and she will be deeply missed. On behalf of UK Athletics, we send our deepest sympathies to Holly, Steve, Abbey and the entire Kaufling family.”