Lauren Holiday in 2015. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Former U.S. women’s national team star Lauren Holiday had surgery on Thursday to remove a brain tumor.
She was diagnosed with a benign, operable brain tumor in June while carrying her child with New Orleans Pelicans player Jrue Holiday, and doctors induced birth early to expedite surgery which was slated for Thursday.
Many friends and fans sent well-wishes to Holiday on social media as she prepared to undergo surgery:
One of the greatest players I ever had the pleasure of watching play the game @laurenholiday12. My thoughts are with you today! #LH12
— Laura Harvey (@LH1505) October 20, 2016
At their game on Wednesday, USWNT players wore wristbands that said LH12, for Holiday’s initials and the number she wore on her jersey. Teammates still call her “Cheney,” which is her maiden name:
I love you Chen! @laurenholiday12 https://t.co/3XhqlLjPam pic.twitter.com/OmXr8fYrwd
— Ashlyn Harris (@Ashlyn_Harris) October 20, 2016
There have been no updates from Holiday or her husband since the surgery and information about her condition was not available as of Friday. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl last month, and doctors planned to perform the surgery about six weeks after the baby was born.