Thunder Bay native Krista Scharf, a seasoned curler, has recently been named skip for Team Despins for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. After her previous team disbanded earlier this year following a successful decade, which included numerous appearances at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Scharf is excited to return to competitive play. With her extensive experience representing both Ontario and Northern Ontario at the Scotties and securing multiple medals, including two silver and two bronze, Scharf is eager to embrace this new opportunity.
Scharf expressed her enthusiasm for rejoining the sport, mentioning that she had initially planned to focus on coaching her children before being approached by Team Despins. The team, seeking an additional player due to a teammate’s injury, presented Scharf with the chance to balance competitive play with her personal commitments. Despite acknowledging the challenge of adapting to a new team dynamic, Scharf is determined to contribute her expertise and support her teammates in pursuing their goals.
Team Despins, also welcoming new player Abby Deschene, aims to compete for the Northern Ontario championship and secure a spot at the 2027 Scotties. Scharf emphasized the importance of rigorous practice to achieve their objectives, highlighting her commitment to helping the team succeed and make the most of their limited preparation time. Alongside her teammates Robyn Despins, Deschene, Rebecca Carr, and Nicole Westlund-Stewart, Scharf is focused on a successful season ahead.