Hinsdale Central's Dannhausen-Brun has goal-scoring knack

HINSDALE – Most high school athletes say there is a big jump between playing at the sophomore level and playing varsity.

Emma Dannhausen-Brun is not like most high school athletes.

In her first season with Hinsdale Central's varsity soccer team, the junior continued scoring goals at an impressive clip to give the Red Devils some offensive punch to go with their defensive prowess.

"I didn't find it easy, but I didn't find it too difficult, either," said Dannhausen-Brun, who added that scored 19 of her team's 40 goals during her sophomore season.

"We had a really solid defense so offensively to be able to provide goals was nice. I knew my place and I was able to prove myself in the first four or five games."

Dannhausen-Brun quickly meshed with her teammates, including center midfielder Maeve McLaughlin, which helped her make an impact.

"I knew if she had the ball to make runs and I knew she would take a chance or put me in a spot so I could take a shot," Dannhausen-Brun said. "I knew if [defensemen] Julie Culler was on the opposite side in the back she would try to make a long pass to me."

Dannhausen-Brun came through in some big moments for the Red Devils, including a hat trick against Manteno, a score in a win against St. Charles North, the game-winning goal against Wheaton Warrenville South and the tying and game-winning goals in a 3-2 sectional semifinal victory against York.

Even with a history as an effective goal-scorer, Dannhausen-Brun's efforts were a very pleasant surprise for Hinsdale Central head coach Michael Smith.

"Some of the goals she scored in big matches for us were unexpected just because we didn't know how quickly she would adapt to varsity," Smith said. "Her understanding of the game, her confidence and her ability allowed her to go out and make an impact."

Scoring twice against York was a season highlight for Dannhausen-Brun, who plays alongside several Central teammates with Oak Brook Soccer Club in the offseason, but she and Smith both believe next year could be even better.

"This year was my first year kind of learning a new system, so returning to play next year and knowing how I fit into the system will help," Dannhausen-Brun said.

"We're looking forward to her senior year," Smith said. "The expectations will increase, and we're looking to working with her to meet those expectations.

"This year it was Emma the goal-scorer. Next year we're looking forward to seeing Emma the all-around playmaker."