Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.
Honoring the legacy of Captain John "Bag" Hefti, USN, by supporting Virginia Beach student-athletes who embody his spirit of excellence, leadership, and selfless service.
"The best teams aren't built on talent alone—they're built on heart." — Captain John "Bag" Hefti
Apply for a Scholarship | Support Our Mission
Virginia Beach Student-Athlete Scholarships
Every year, we award scholarships to graduating seniors who don't just excel on the field—they lift up everyone around them. Our recipients are chosen for character, not just stats.
Since our founding, we've supported dozens of Virginia Beach student-athletes pursuing higher education. Each one carries forward Bag's belief that sports build the leaders our communities need.
Learn more about Bag's story and the values that guide everything we do.
What We Look For
When Bag coached, he looked for three things. We still do:
- Play Hard — Give everything you have, every time
- Have Fun — Bring joy to your team and find the fun in the work
- Same Team — Excellence, leadership, and selfless service
These aren't just words to us. They're how Bag lived, and they're what we celebrate in every scholarship recipient.
Read about what makes a Bag's Buddies scholar
Youth Sports Grants for Virginia Beach Families
Financial barriers shouldn't keep any young athlete on the sidelines. Our youth sports grants help families cover registration fees, equipment, and uniforms—so kids can focus on playing, and parents can focus on cheering.
Learn about our youth sports grants program | Scholarship program for seniors
Join Us at Bag's Big Bash
Our annual gala brings together the entire Bag's Buddies community for an unforgettable evening. We celebrate our scholarship recipients, share stories about Bag, and raise funds to support the next generation of Virginia Beach athletes.
Great food. Great people. Great cause.
Get details about this year's event
Be Part of the Team
Bag believed we're all on the same team—donors, families, athletes, volunteers, everyone. Your support makes scholarships possible and keeps Bag's legacy alive in Virginia Beach.
Whether you give $25 or $2,500, you're helping a young athlete discover what they're capable of.
Run With Us
Join Bag's Buddies Racing—our community of runners who race for a cause. Whether you're chasing a PR or walking your first 5K, you're part of Team Bag.
Stay Connected
Join our community to receive updates about scholarship opportunities, events, and ways to get involved.
Contact us | Read our latest news
Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.