Paul VI Connections

Mary Scharff, '73

Mary Scharff has 5 brothers. She a graduate of the Paul VI Class of 1973. While attending PVI she was very active in basketball and softball. Although Mary was a quiet student and very focused on achieving her best academically, she would explode during sports games which she was most passionate about. Mary can credit Paul VI for many of the experiences she would have in her life.

Coach Vicki Harrington along with the Paul VI community ultimately shaped Mary’s Future. Because of her dedication to sports in high school, Mary was able to receive a scholarship to Immaculata College where she played varsity basketball all four years as a starter. Mary was a conference all star as well as being the 1^st female thousand point scorer in South Jersey. While attending Immaculata she also received many MVP awards. In 1977 she received the Kodak All American award as well as the All America’s award. Mary was very passionate about basketball and during college she knew this was something she could do beyond graduation. After college Mary had the advantage to play semi-pro basketball, she played in Australia and also came back to Immaculata as a coach. On January 27, 1975, Mary’s team was the first women’s team to play on national television and in 1975 the team won the national championship.

As life takes unexpected turns, Mary’s career had to be put on hold to help her mother who became ill, and ultimately passed away due to her illness. She was offered a job in New Mexico coaching and playing but had to turn it down.

A few years later Mary experienced a life-threatening illness. She has now retired from working with Subaru care company and PVI has the distinct privilege of having Mary volunteering her time to help coach the PVI girls basketball team.

“I really enjoyed my Paul VI days. I have fond memories of being on the court and in the classroom.”

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Paul VI High School

901 Hopkins Rd., Ste. B
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Phone: 856.858.4900
Fax: 856.858.6832