Thunder Bay, Ontario curler Krista Scharf is set to lead Team Despins as the skip for the 2026 to 2027 season.
Her previous team disbanded in March after ten years of competition, which featured several participations in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. At that time, the team indicated that most members were stepping back to prioritize family commitments, although they left the possibility open for future curling opportunities.
Recently, it was revealed that Scharf, who has represented both Ontario and Northern Ontario at the Scotties on 12 occasions and has won two silver and two bronze medals, is making her return to the rink with Team Despins.
“I was really thrilled when the girls reached out to me,” Scharf shared during an interview with CBC News on Tuesday, expressing how much she had missed curling since her departure.
“I didn’t anticipate returning to play. I thought I would just be coaching my kids a bit. So this is a fresh and new experience for me,” she added.
Scharf mentioned that Team Despins contacted her a few weeks prior to assess her interest in joining them, as they were looking for an additional player due to Nicole Westlund-Stewart recovering from a back injury sustained in January.
Scharf embraced the chance to engage in competitive curling again while maintaining the flexibility necessary for her personal life and travel.
“I’ll be participating in a couple of events with them. I’ll also play in some major leagues and practice when I can, which I believe fits well with my lifestyle,” she noted.
“These girls are from the local area. We’ve faced off against them for many years and know how skilled they are. They’ve made great strides in the last few years,” Scharf remarked, highlighting their reputation as excellent teammates.
A ‘Significant Adjustment’ to a New Team
Joining a new group of players will be a “significant adjustment,” she acknowledged, but she is eager for the challenge.
“I aim to bring some experience to the team and assist the girls,” Scharf expressed.
“I find it really exciting to join a new team and gain a different perspective on their approach to curling and their methods both on and off the ice,” she added.
As stated in a media release from Team Despins, the team is gearing up for the upcoming season with a clear objective of competing for the Northern Ontario championship and securing a spot at the 2027 Scotties.
Thunder Bay’s Krista Scharf will be back on the ice at Fort William Curling Club this year, skipping for a brand-new team. We hear more from her.
As this new team integrates Abby Deschene as a new member, Scharf noted that they will need to practice diligently to achieve their ambitions.
“Practicing is crucial, and I think that’s something my former team excelled at,” Scharf commented.
When Deschene travels from Sudbury, Scharf plans to meet up with her as often as possible.
“We’re going to train hard ahead of the competition in January. Our ice won’t be ready until October, so time is limited,” Scharf explained.
“Being the competitive person I am, by December, I’ll want to practice extensively to support the girls and, of course, try to perform at my best to help the team reach the Scotties. It’s such an incredible experience,” she added.
Alongside Scharf, Robyn Despins will take on the third position, Deschene will play second, Rebecca Carr will be the lead, and Westlund-Stewart will serve as the fifth member of the team.