Thunder Bay native Krista Scharf, a seasoned curler, is set to lead Team Despins as skip for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Following the disbandment of her previous team in March after a successful decade in the sport, Scharf, who boasts an impressive record of representing both Ontario and Northern Ontario at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 12 times with two silver and two bronze medals, expressed her excitement at returning to competitive play.
Team Despins approached Scharf a few weeks ago to fill a vacancy left by long-time team member Nicole Westlund-Stewart, who is recovering from a back injury sustained in January. Scharf is eager to bring her experience to the team and assist her new teammates, acknowledging the significant adjustment of joining a fresh group.
With aspirations of clinching the Northern Ontario championship and securing a spot at the 2027 Scotties, Team Despins, which includes new addition Abby Deschene alongside Robyn Despins, Rebecca Carr, and Westlund-Stewart, is gearing up for rigorous practice sessions leading up to the upcoming season. Scharf emphasized the importance of dedication and teamwork in achieving their competitive goals.
As they prepare for the season ahead, Scharf highlighted the importance of hard work and collaboration within the team, underlining her commitment to helping her teammates succeed and aiming for a strong performance at the prestigious Scotties Tournament of Hearts.