Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES Mahwah IV • December 19, 2012 Amanda Berkman, a senior at Mahwah High School, has signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at Providence College. Berkman began playing volleyball in grade school and began to play competitively and on club teams as a seventh grader. While she was originally a soccer player, she said she ultimately favored volleyball. Now considered one of Bergen County’s best players, Berkman surpassed the 1,000 career assist mark this season. This feat is particularly notable since Berkman has only been a starting varsity player for two years. The goal of reaching 1,000 assists was one Berkman said she set for herself as a freshman. This year, the fourth-seeded Mahwah Thunderbirds made it to the quarterfinals in the team’s bid for a Group 2 state championship. Berkman was recently named to All Star Competition in Livingston. The event included the best senior players from northern New Jersey’s public and private schools. She recently received Second Team All County, Second Team All State, and First Team All League honors. While she is playing for Providence College, Berkman will also be working toward a business degree. She plans to focus on marketing or advertising. Pictured: Amanda Berkman with Athletic Director Roger Pelletier, Principal John Pascale, and Coach Dean Rayside. Berkman to play volleyball for Providence College