Tragedy has struck the University of Kentucky dance team as team member Kate Kaufling passed away this week. She was 20 years old.
According to Fox News, Kaufling had been battling cancer for nearly a year. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in June of last year. Sadly, she lost her hard-fought battle this past Sunday.
In a statement, UK Dance Team head coach Dawn Walters highlighted what a beloved member of the team Kaufling was. She said that the entire team is saddened by her passing and will remember her for how hard she fought against her cancer.
“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,” Walters said in a statement.
“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.”
Kentucky executive associate athletics director Sandy Bell also shared a statement, highlighting Kaufling for her academics in the College of Nursing. She wished her condolences to Kaufling’s family on behalf of the entire athletics department.
“In addition to being a talented dancer, Kate was also an amazing student, in the College of Nursing, who took her academics very seriously,” 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.”