Maddie Bernhardt derives a lot of joy by helping others through her many volunteer endeavors. After playing sparingly as a freshman for The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team, Bernhardt decided it was time to help herself. A season ago, she averaged 6.2 minutes and 2.3 points per game. What a difference a year makes. This season, the sophomore is averaging 11.6 points and 2.6 rebounds for the Lions. “I think mainly the difference between my time this year and last year is putting in the work during the off season,’’ said Bernhardt. “I’d been preparing myself and constantly being pushed by my teammates in practice to put my best foot forward.’’ That foot has been a giant step as Bernhardt has become one of TCNJ’s top offensive weapons and a 42.9% shooter from behind the arc. Bernhardt had quite a high school career at South Jersey’s Our Lady of Mercy Academy. One of her most memorable moments on the court at OLMA was scoring 1,000 points — she finished with a school record 1,254 points. It was at Our Lady of Mercy where Bernhardt discovered the joy in helping others. She has been involved in the Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club, the Vineland Soup Kitchen and the St. Vincent DePaul Shelter. “I am engaged in volunteer work within communities in my hometown,’’ said the Milmay resident. “My high school focused a lot with community service and ever since I have carried on helping others in my everyday life.’’ She is not helping out the rest of the New Jersey Athletic Conference teams, though. Bernhardt played a role in Wednesday’s 69-43 win for TCNJ (1-6, 1-1) over Stockton that snapped a season-opening six games losing streak. She will be in the lineup on Saturday when Kean (1-5, 1-1) visits Packer Hall. “Regarding this season, we did lose some key players to our team and have a young team this year,’’ said Bernhardt, one of five sophomores playing a significant role for the Lions. “However, we have battled a very tough schedule in the start of the season but that will have us prepared later in the season when it matters most.’’ TCNJ’s Kinesiology Health Sciences mattered most to Bernhardt when she was doing her due diligence in choosing a college. “TCNJ first drew me in with the KHS program and academic path I was looking for,’’ recalled Bernhardt. “However, TCNJ really sold me with the amazing teammates and coaching staff that I can look up to and have become my best friends.’’ Another “best friend” that has meant a lot to her is her dad, Matthew. “He would be my main role model,’’ stated Maddie. “Ever since I was little, he has always pushed me on and off the court to put my best foot forward. Commonly saying, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything,’which always sticks with me.’’ Right now the opposition is having a difficult time sticking with Bernhardt because of her hard work, determination and passion for the game. ...read more read less