Journey for Dash defender a long one

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If adversity tests character, then Dash defender Holly Hein's character, jumps off the page. Hein is a leader on the expansion Dash, and she is just a rookie. But her journey to become a starter is a long one.

Hein played at Michigan for five seasons, but her junior year she was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer.

"I just had my fitness test and came home, and got a call from my doctor," Hein said. "I didn't know how to respond."

Hein then called her parents, and they came up with a game plan. She fought the cancer, had her thyroid removed and even returned to play that season.

Unfortunately for Hein, when she finished school she did not get drafted by the NWSL. Luckily, Dash Head Coach, Randy Waldrum, gave her a tryout.

"She has impressed since day one, and has really ended up earning a starting spot for us, that's a credit to her discipline," Waldrum said.

But Hein isn't taking her success for granted.

"I've now made the team, but it's still the same mentality. What can I be doing better tomorrow?" she said.