Virden’s Danika Scharff could not be happier to be back playing competitive games.
Before suiting up this season for the University of Windsor women’s volleyball team, the last time the now second-year post-secondary student-athlete played a non-exhibition contest was in the spring of Grade 11. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Virden Collegiate Institute alum to miss her Grade 12 high school and club seasons. In 2021-2022, the daughter of Rita and Chad Scharff redshirted at the University of Winnipeg. This allowed her to practice and learn with the Wesmen but not play in Canada West contests.
“It has been a blast getting back into that competitive mindset and enjoying some good competition,” she said.
Scharff has excelled this season in a backup role for her Ontario school squad. In January, the 5-foot-9 setter was named the Lancers’ Female Athlete of the Week after helping the team sweep its weekend contests against Royal Military College. Scharff recorded 32 assists in one match and 22 in the other. Earlier in the season, she posted 31 assists versus Trent University and 28 against Lakehead University.
“Danika is a very intelligent setter that tries to create one-on-ones and gaps for her hitters,” Lancers head coach Lucas Hodgson said.
The coach praised Scharff’s volleyball IQ and her creativity with the offence. Hodgson also lauded Scharff as one the team’s best servers and blockers. Against Lakehead University, she had four blocks. In both matches against RMC, Scharff served three aces. In one of those matches, she had 12 digs.
Scharff is enjoying life on and off the court in Windsor. She is in the university’s law and politics program with the intention of pursuing a law degree in the future. As well, Scharff appreciates being a part of the Lancers program.
“The two things I enjoy most about being a Lancer is the athletic department’s environment,” she said. “All the teams are so friendly and the support we all give each other is really special. As well as just my own team. The girls are the best part of my day and I love showing up to play alongside them every weekend.”
When asked about her family, Scharff said she “can’t even explain how important and appreciated my family’s support is. Without them, I wouldn’t be as happy and excited about this opportunity as I am. I miss them, but I always push myself to make them proud when I step on the court.
“They got to watch me during the preseason in Hamilton as well as they drove all the way to Thunder Bay to watch me play against Megan (Nahachewsky, a fellow VCI grad) and the (Lakehead University) Thunderwolves, and they just recently came to watch their first home game with my uncle and aunt against the University of Toronto. As well they don’t miss a game online on OUAtv.”
