Kate Kaufling was a 20-year-old member of the dance team at the University of Kentucky. Sadly, she died on Sunday, March 31, Easter Sunday, after a brutal battle with bone cancer. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a particularly aggressive form of bone cancer, in June of 2023. Her premature passing has left her former teammates, coaches, and all those who knew her immensely saddened, as she was one who “could light up a room” with her smile.
Such is what University of Kentucky Dance Team head coach Dawn Walters said in a statement after Kaufling’s tragic passing, saying that she was a joy to all those around her, whether on the team or in normal life, and that she lit up the rooms she was in, making her beloved by her teammates. Kate is survived by her parents, Holly and Steve, and Abbey, her twin sister.
“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,” Coach Dawn Walters said in a press statement. Continuing, Coach Walters added that her brave fight with the deadly form of cancer was an inspiration to those around her, saying, “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.”
Joining Coach Walters was UK Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell, who noted that Kate was not just a fantastic member of the dance team, but also a serious student who did well academically. “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 Bell.
Continuing, Bell added that Kate stuck with her rigorous schedule even while undergoing her cancer treatments, saying, “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.”
Also joining in with a powerful statement was Kentucky Sports Radio host Matt Jones, who wrote, in a post on X, “Kate Kaufling, UK Dance Team member who has had a battle with osteosarcoma passed away today. She was a 4.0 student, beloved by her teammates and friends. God Bless this young woman and her family. Prayers to all who knew her.”
Commenting on Jones’ post, one commenter noted, “I taught Kate in high school—incredibly hard-working as a student & dancer. Prayers especially needed for her twin sister Abbey (also a UKDT member), who just lost her best friend and soul mate. As a twin myself who lost her twin, it is devastating. And Kate was so young.”
Featured image credit: Kate Kaufling Instagram
