Student Athlete of the Week Jay Scharfe

Passionate players are often found within the Niwot High School boys soccer program, but Jay Scharfe's dedication might be setting new standards.

Described by Head Coach Stephen Dimit as one of the hardest-working players he has ever tutored, Scharfe aims to improve his game each day while helping others follow suit.

"Every day at practice, I want to bring a certain level of effort and pride in what I'm doing," said Scharfe, a senior. "The reason we've (Niwot) been so good through so many years is because of people really buying into the culture that we have. You may not be the best player on the team, but you'll work as hard as anybody else."

As Scharfe referenced, his mindset was formed by learning from older teammates. Those above him preached Niwot pride, team chemistry and playing hard no matter the score, Scharfe explained.

"I like to turn it on when I'm wearing a Niwot jersey," Scharfe said. "I've always been a super hard worker because I hate losing so much. When I play for this school, I understand that I'm playing for something bigger than myself, bigger than my team or anything. I feel like I'm playing for a legacy with the school."

The third-year varsity player has seen plenty of winning throughout his Niwot career. After helping Niwot reach the Class 4A state tournament quarterfinals last season, Scharfe's Cougars are 6-3 through nine games this year. He has seen action almost everywhere but goalkeeper, ranking second on the team in scoring with six points (two goals, two assists).

Scharfe, who spent parts of his childhood living in his father's home country of Germany, doesn't hold much back when he hits the pitch.

"We did this activity with Coach where we had to define ourselves as what animal we'd be, and I said I'd be a rhino," Scharfe said. "Once I get going, nothing's gonna stop me. I'm a very aggressive player, but I also have an understanding of the game."

As of Sunday, Oct. 6, only six regular season games remain on Niwot's schedule, including matchups against rivals Silver Creek High School and Skyline High School. Scharfe knows his high school career is nearly complete, but the senior remains focused on simply being where his cleats are.

"It's not really on my mind at all because thinking about it for me would just hold me back," Scharfe said of his career winding down. "I need to live in the moment with these next couple of practices and games and hold myself accountable to bring as much effort as I can to the field."

Although open to a future in soccer, Scharfe is prioritizing academics amid his college search.