For some people, their athletic endeavors end at the completion of high school or college. But many keep on playing in rec leagues, like the players in the Elizabeth City Parks and Recreation Department's summer softball leagues.

With the playoffs in full swing, several players shared their reasons for playing, and they are as varied as the players themselves.

Justin Falls/The Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Downtown Sports' Andy Lamb slides into third after being tagged out by North Carolina Homes Magazine's Rafer Sawyer during an ECPRD game, Monday.

Justin Falls/The Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Players with Downtown Sports and North Carolina Homes Magazine high five at the conclusion of an ECPRD game on field one at Enfield Park, Monday.

Many players compete simply stay in shape.

"Exercise is the biggest thing," Troy Stallings of Williams Strawberry said. "Some of us have jobs where we don't do a whole lot and sit around."

"I like softball," Bobbie Thomas of Kids N Play said. "It's my sport and it's good exercise."

But there is more to it than just getting a good workout. Cathy Cole of Atlantic Crane & Rigging said her primary reason for playing is "mainly exercise ... with friends." Robert Sawyer's Brandon Wilkins expanded on the same point.

"I just come out here to have a good time," Wilkins said. "It's something else to do so I don't sit around the house. It's a good time out — good fellowship with friends. I kind of stay in shape a little bit, or try to."

Big Daddy's Pizza's Amanda Perry made the same point, noting that the softball leagues provide adults of the area something to do.

"We play for exercise and for competition. We really like to get out here and have a good time with our friends," she said. "It's a good activity. There's not a whole lot that goes on in this town, so it's good to get out here and have something fun to do."

There is also the aspect of competition. Andre Jenkins played college sports and now plays softball for Sonic.

"I play just for the competition — just to come out here and have fun," Jenkins said. "It's something to do. ... It's recreational — it's fun. You can get out here and be competitive and play softball."

Most listed multiple reasons for playing, citing not only exercise, activity and competition, but also enjoying time with friends.

"It's fun, competition, camaraderie, exercise," Atlantic Crane & Rigging's Tim Jordan said. "It's just getting out here and enjoying yourself.

"I come out here for the fun of it — for the camaraderie and the fun, the team spirit, to be a part of an activity," Kim Jordan of Blackwater said.

"Everybody's really good friends and it makes it worthwhile," Stallings added.

Some people have played most of their lives and continue playing because they love the game.

"I have played since I was about 5-years old in T-ball. I have coached since I was 17," Monique Hicks of Morgans Corner Truck & Tractor Pull said. "I just can't get enough of it. I figure while I am at least 15 to 20 years older than most of the women playing out here and still hold my own, I'm going to play until I can't keep up. And I just enjoy it. It's a good stress reliever."

"I love the game of softball, from the dirt to the home runs — everything," Blackwater's Brandus Wiley said. "I played in high school, but playing as an adult, it's good for activities. You make friends, stay in shape and it's obviously something fun to do. I truly love the game, everything about it."

Camden Sales' Karen Booker, former Currituck softball coach, jokingly said she plays because "there's nothing else for me to do." But she may have summed it up the best.

"It's in your heart," she said. "When it's in your heart, you can't get it out. No matter how old you are, if you love softball, you love it until you die."