Thunder Bay native Krista Scharf is set to lead Team Despins as skip for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Following the disbandment of her previous team in March, Scharf, a seasoned curler with numerous Scotties Tournament of Hearts appearances, has decided to return to competitive play with Team Despins.
Expressing her excitement, Scharf shared that the opportunity to join the team came unexpectedly. The team approached her recently due to the absence of Nicole Westlund-Stewart, who is recovering from a back injury sustained earlier this year. Scharf views this as a chance to balance competitive play with her personal life commitments.
Acknowledging the challenge of transitioning to a new team, Scharf aims to bring her experience to support her teammates and adapt to their approach to the game. Team Despins is gearing up for the season with a focus on clinching the Northern Ontario championship and securing a spot at the 2027 Scotties.
In preparation for the competitions ahead, the team, which includes newcomer Abby Deschene, plans to dedicate significant time to practice. Scharf emphasized the importance of rigorous training and is eager to contribute her best to help the team excel and potentially reach the prestigious Scotties Tournament of Hearts.