WINTER HAVEN – Simon Scharff has connections to Polk State College from just about every angle. Despite that, however, Scharff began his college career elsewhere.

After spending his first year at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, this past academic year was something of a homecoming. The son of two Polk State alumni, Scharff became one himself while serving as the everyday catcher for Polk State Baseball. A graduate of Lake Wales High School, Scharff originally chose a scholarship over a chance to play for the Eagles as a preferred walk-on.

"I talked to (Polk State Head Coach Al Corbeil) out of high school," Scharff recalled. "I went to one of his prospect camps and had to choose between a scholarship and a walk-on spot. After my year at Eckerd, I decided to take him up on the opportunity."

As a member of the Eckerd team in 2024, Scharff didn't appear in a game and was given a redshirt. As the 2025 season began for Polk State on Jan. 24 against St. Petersburg College at the Florida JUCO Early Bird Classic in Auburndale, Scharff was given the start behind the plate while batting sixth.

"That was the most nervous I had ever been during my baseball career," Scharff reflected. "Seeing scouts in the stands was nerve-racking."

In his first season of collegiate baseball, things started a bit slow for Scharff. He was just 2-for-21 to begin his Polk State career when the Eagles made the trip to Palatka to face St. Johns River State College on Feb. 4. The score was tied 8-8 in the top of the ninth inning as Scharff stepped to the plate. The result was his first career home run – a go-ahead solo blast.

"I remember going down early in the count," Scharff said. "I got a fastball middle-in, put a good swing on it and I knew it was gone. It was a surreal moment. After that, I settled in and learned that I could compete at this level."

From the home run on, Scharff was a .310 hitter. He had seven multi-hit games.

"He was just a very consistent individual," Corbeil said. "He showed up every day and did what he was supposed to do. As a catcher, he always did a great job handling the pitching staff. Simon really improved offensively as the season went on."

Although he was technically a redshirt freshman, Scharff was among 10 players recognized before the Sophomore Night contest against St. Petersburg on April 10. He responded by going 2-for-3 while setting career-highs with two runs scored and three RBIs.

"Being able to be a leader, keeping people focused and on track is an opportunity that I'll always cherish," Scharff said. "It was great working with the pitching staff and just being a student at Polk State. I grew in so many areas."

In his lone season at Polk State, Scharff played in 44 games. For the year, he batted .267 with a home run and 23 RBIs. He was one of six players for the Eagles to boast an on-base percentage of .400 or better.

"The coaching staff was amazing," Scharff added. "Coach Corbeil helping me get recruited was a huge blessing. (Pitching Coach Alec) Asher was great to work with and being able to pick his brain and get a better understanding of what pitchers want from their catchers was a great opportunity. (Assistant Coach Roguie Odor) helped me a lot during batting practice."

A family tradition

While Scharff's family is full of Polk State alumni, many have been involved on a bigger basis. His mother, Joanne Scharff, is currently a professor for the Education Program. His grandmother and current County Commissioner Martha Santiago was a longtime Provost at the College. Scharff's father, Jay Scharff, spent two seasons as an assistant volleyball coach under Don Ratterree in the late 1990s.

"From an athletic standpoint, it was an honor to play for such a prestigious program," Scharff explained. "On the academic side, both of my parents went here. My grandmother was the provost, but Polk State is an amazing place. It provides an opportunity for so many local kids to get an education."

Scharff's connections to Polk State, however, don't stop at his immediate family. His godparents, Edward and Nikki Smith, also have strong ties to the College. Nikki Smith was recently president of the Polk State Alumni Association. Edward Smith works as a professor of political science at the College.

"Not only was it awesome for him to get to play locally for such a great program and coach, but there was a sense of pride with him being at Polk State," Joanne Scharff recalled. "I know his father really enjoyed him getting to play so close to home. Not all of his Polk State teammates knew his mother was a professor. We told him from the beginning that when Polk State came into the picture, it was his decision and his deal."

More than a ballplayer

In addition to his strong season behind the plate, Scharff also shined in the classroom. He graduated magna cum laude with his Associate in Arts degree in May. With a 3.9 grade-point average, Scharff was recognized as an NJCAA and FCSAA All-Academic Team selection.

"Having a guy with his level of maturity is always a big bonus for your ballclub," Corbeil explained. "It's great to have someone reliable you can count on. We never had to worry whether Simon was doing what he was supposed to."

"I want to thank Polk State," Scharff said. "Through the school and baseball program, I met so many great people. I've gained lifelong friends. I'm grateful for my coaches, teammates, and everyone here."

During the first annual STARS Awards in May, Scharff was presented with the Eagles Champion of Character Award. The honor recognized Scharff for exemplifying what it means to be a leader on the field and in the classroom.

"It was such an honor," Scharff explained. "I can be nominated for all the athletic and academic achievements in the world, but my character is something I really pride myself on. I credit that to my parents, my upbringing and my faith."

What's next

Scharff signed to continue his playing career at Lipscomb University, an NCAA Division I program in Nashville. The Bisons have finished at least .500 in Atlantic Sun Conference play in each of the last four seasons. Over that stretch, Lipscomb has wins over the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Tennessee and University of Notre Dame in addition to winning the Atlantic Sun title and playing in the NCAA Tournament in 2023.

"My goal is to do well, be confident in what I do and help Lipscomb put some awards in the trophy case," Scharff noted. "Lipscomb is a faith-based university. I want to grow in my faith, be a better person, better player and a better follower of Jesus Christ."

Scharff will arrive with 110 college credits.

"With athletics, college provides a little more uncertainty," mother Joanne Scharff explained. "We experienced that with the first year at Eckerd. To get the opportunity to continue playing at Lipscomb was amazing and eased our minds. He bet on himself, got his education and finished with an AA degree.

"I'm so grateful he had the opportunity to play for Coach Corbeil," she added. "Corbeil made him a better person and player. He holds everyone to a very high standard."

At Lipscomb, Scharff will major in sports management. He hopes to go on and earn a Master of Business Administration. Scharff would like to one day work as an athletics director at a college or in the front office for a professional sports franchise.

"Sports opens up so many opportunities and teaches lessons that you use for the rest of your life – leadership, teamwork, overcoming adversity," Scharff concluded. "To be able to present that opportunity for other people would mean so much."