When an athlete takes the field or the court, he or she is playing to win. That’s always the main objective — to take the countless hours of practice and preparation and channel it into success in a game.

A lot of time in sports, though, an athlete is playing for something bigger than him or herself. One needs not look further than the ongoing Copa America Centenario. The soccer tournament pits teams from North and South America against one another. This centennial edition of the tournament is being played across the United States for the first time.

Pride is visible among the American players. Each member of the team could be seen soaking in the energy of the Chicago crowd Tuesday evening as USA routed Costa Rica, 4-0. It was apparent that the Americans were playing for more than simply staying alive in the tournament. There is no World Cup bid on the line, but playing for their country was enough for the Americans to rise to the occasion in such an integral game.

Patriotism is but one greater cause athletes play for. A lot of athletes are open about their religion and use it as a source for inspiration when competing. Golden State Warriors guard and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Steph Curry is a good example. Curry has helped lead the Warriors to the brink of repeating as champions.

Curry’s religion has been with him all along the way. He has worn Bible verses from Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13 on his shoes. He has also made it apparent that family is a driving force in his success. His daughter Riley has often been a staple of his post-game press conferences.

It doesn’t take a national spotlight for an athlete to represent something larger than him or herself, though. Beaufort County’s athletes do it every time they compete.

A few recent examples can be found in the playoff runs made by Washington and Northside’s softball teams. Both the Lady Pack and Lady Panthers showed various parts of the state exactly how strong softball is in the area. They also did so while showing exemplary levels of sportsmanship.

So hats off to all those who put in years of hard work and dedication into what they love. Furthermore, kudos to the local athletes for taking the Beaufort County name across the state over the last month and representing it in such exceptional fashion.