The daughter of Rita and Chad Scharff became a setter almost immediately after starting to play the sport. She recently finished her second season of playing that position for the University of Windsor women’s volleyball team.
“At 14 years old, local coach Steve Densmore started training me as a setter and I have never been anything else,” Scharff said. “I am grateful for Steve for seeing potential in my abilities to become a setter, it has definitely paid off. I love running an offence and being in control of that part of the game, as well being engaged in every point as I touch every second ball, which is also one of my favourite parts. I also love blocking so being lined up across the net from the left side is always something I enjoy.”
This past season the 5-foot-9 student-athlete averaged 2.59 assists per set. Scharff recorded 27 assists and two blocks in a victory by her Ontario school over Trent University.
“Danika has a very high volleyball IQ,” University of Windsor head volleyball coach Lucas Hodgson said. “She has an ability to give her attackers a lot of one-on-one hitting opportunities. She is one of the best blocking setters we have seen in our league.”
After graduating from Virden Collegiate Institute, Scharff redshirted for a season with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. During her two seasons with the Lancers, Scharff has focused on developing her game.
“She enjoys watching and breaking down film, which has helped her develop her play calling during games,” Hodgson said. “Danika has become a great leader on our team and will be a captain next year. Her ability to connect with her teammates is something that will help us win some games.”
Being with her teammates was one of Scharff’s favourite aspects of last season.
“It was really special that even since the season did not go our way, the way we all rallied together and continued to use our ‘Lancer family’ mentality to play for each other,” she said. “Being my first year with the team last year I made more friendships than I could have ever wanted, and it was so exciting and special for me this year to finally go back to the same team this year (since being a transfer) and continuing to build those relationships.”
Off the court, Scharff is enrolled in the University of Windsor’s law and politics program.
“I really enjoy learning about Canada’s criminal justice and political system, as well as pressing issues in Canada,” she said. “This program is very heavily based on essay readings and writing, and I very much enjoy writing essays and I am much better at them than multiple-choice exams or math equations.”
Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging. Scharff said she has the best support system any student-athlete could ask for.
“The best cheerleaders are my parents, brother (Cade), grandparents, aunts, and uncles as well as my boyfriend and other extended family and friends,” she said. “This season I was fortunate enough to have my parents and other family members visit me a couple times in Windsor and Toronto, which always makes those games more special. It is also fantastic that OUAtv offers free viewing for everyone back home, allowing those who are unable to attend to still support me.
“In terms of my academic performance, everyone is continuously checking in about how I am doing and encouraging me to get my law degree. With a family that has supported me like this it is easy to want to work hard and do well on the court and in school.”
