LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky Dance Team sophomore Kate Kaufling, who fought osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, died on Sunday, March 31. She was 20.

Kaufling joined the UK Dance Team, along with her twin sister Abbey, in the fall of 2023.

“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,” said UK Dance Team head coach Dawn Walters. “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.”

“In addition to being a talented dancer, Kate was also an amazing student, in the College of Nursing, who took her academics very seriously,” said UK Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell. “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.”

Funeral arrangements are pending at the time of this release. Kaufling is survived by her parents Holly and Steve Kaufling and her twin sister Abbey.