Small town girl, big time game
Field hockey coach Cristy Freese knew when she recruited senior Erica Takach work ethic would not be an issue.
Takach’s hometown, Duncannon, Pa., has a population of 1,496, and the nearest city with a population over 50,000 is Lancaster, Pa. which is 55 miles away.
She spent her entire childhood either working or playing sports and as a result has become one of the best CMU field hockey players ever.
“Erica is certainly right up there amongst the best I have ever coached,” Freese, who is in her 20th year at CMU said. “Erica is one of those top players because she listens to her coaches, she works hard and she never stops developing her game.
Like many field hockey players, Takach did not start playing until eighth grade. She wasn’t too fond of it at first, but eventually developed into one of the best players on her high school team and joined a travel club team.
It was while she was on the club team when Freese noticed her.
“I watched her play for five minutes and decided right then I wanted this girl on my team,” Freese said. “She was a great competitor out on the field and she had excellent skills.”
Her career at CMU started slowly as she only amassed two points her freshman year. She has since improved on that total and was named first-team All-Mid-American Conference last season.
Takach has been consistent this season even after changing positions.
“Switching to center-mid meant I would have to become more of a passer and more efficient on defense,” she said. “At the beginning of the season I was a little uncomfortable, but I feel good now. Having great teammates around me really helped make the transition smoother.”
She currently leads the MAC in assists with six and has two game-winning goals.
“Erica has the ability to beat someone one-on-one with the ball,” Freese said. “She can really beat anyone she wants, she just has to remember that. She also has a great talent for reading the field.”
As a senior captain Takach said she has no problem criticizing or encouraging her teammates.
“I don’t feel it is good to hide things from people,” she said. “If someone is playing awesome, then I will them, and if someone messes up, I make sure they know about it. But in the end I make sure they know it is no big deal and to keep playing hard.”
