Emma Dram makes pitch to be starting goalkeeper for Naperville Central, which has ‘really big shoes to fill’

Naperville Central sophomore Emma Dram knows she has a tough act to follow.

She’s ready for the role.

Dram and freshman Erin Hackett are splitting time between the pipes as they vie to become the successor to all-state goalkeeper Abby O’Connor, who graduated last year. Both have played one half in each of the Redhawks’ first five games. They take turns in the starting lineup.

“It was definitely really big shoes to fill,” Dram said. “Last year, I would train with Abby O’Connor sometimes, and she’s such an incredible role model to look up to.

“Now I’m just trying to emulate some of the things that she usually does in games. I think we’ve been doing pretty good, and it helps that I have another goalie to split halves with.”

Dram played on the junior varsity team as a freshman, with O’Connor the only goalkeeper on the varsity roster. Dram learned a lot from studying O’Connor.

“One of the biggest things was confidence,” Dram said. “You can always learn new skills, but confidence can really help in the game.

“Abby is one of the most confident goalies that I know, and she’s one of the best that I know.”

While neither Dram or Hackett is in O’Connor’s league yet, they have provided a positive preliminary answer to Naperville Central’s most significant preseason question. They have allowed a combined six goals, four of which came in a 7-4 win against Belleville West on a windy, cold St. Patrick’s Day.

Dram and Hackett were impressive in combining for their second shutout of the season on Saturday, when the host Redhawks played St. Charles North to a scoreless draw at Memorial Stadium.

“They’ve played pretty well,” Naperville Central coach Troy Adams said. “When you talk about the transition from the youth to the adult game, high school is kind of that transition time. That’s a big one for goalkeepers. You’re not quite as focused on technical stuff.

“You still work on it, but a lot of it is how can I help organize my defense, how can I make sure we don’t allow something to get in behind us. They work on that.”

Dram made the biggest save for the Redhawks (4-0-1) against the North Stars (5-1-1) when she made a reflex stop on a 10-yard shot from Kayla Floyd with 1:35 left in the first half.

“Lauren Thorne definitely saved my butt by clearing it out after I punched it away,” Dram said. “It was just reflexes. It was pretty convenient that it was coming straight at me.”

Hackett made two saves in the second half, including one on a 19-yard drive from Michigan State recruit Bella Najera. This is the first time Hackett has played goalkeeper in two years, but she already knew what it was like to play varsity sports. She was a guard on Naperville Central’s girls basketball team this past season.

“It’s definitely a learning experience,” said Hackett, who was primarily a field player when she was younger. “I’ve been learning from Emma a lot. I thought my basketball would help. I have good hand-eye coordination.”

Adams is encouraged by what he has seen from both goalkeepers.

“(Hackett) had a good foundation,” Adams said. “She’s a good athlete, and she’s been receptive to coaching, so all of that has been a positive.”

Adams said Dram also is coachable and has made strides in her technical ability.

“She’s (better) able to make that initial save compared to last year,” Adams said. “She’s much better about not allowing a rebound, so that’s a big plus.”

While it remains to be seen whether Dram or Hackett can win the starting job outright, the current arrangement suits them both.

“I personally really like it,” Dram said. “It’s really nice to have a goalie to warm up with, and it’s also nice, obviously, in case of injury to have someone there.

“The idea of healthy competition is good.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.