November 18, 2025
How a Lacrosse Connection Sparked a Movement: Jim Lighthizer & the Rise of Be You Sports
Empowering girls through flag football and community partnerships.
Youth sports have always been central to our owner, Jim Lighthizer’s life and leadership philosophy. Over the years, his work in local lacrosse communities has led to meaningful relationships—one of the most impactful being his connection with Sunny Bhatia, now the visionary co-founder of Be You Sports, a fast-growing nonprofit bringing girls flag football to Howard and Anne Arundel counties.
Jim first met Sunny on the sidelines while coaching boys lacrosse. Their shared passion for youth athletics, mentorship, and expanding opportunities for young athletes laid the foundation for what would become a powerful community partnership.
This fall, more than 175 girls ages 5–15 are participating in Be You Sports’ year-round girls flag football league—an extraordinary leap forward for access, visibility, and inclusion in one of the country’s fastest growing sports.
The momentum surrounding girls flag football is only getting stronger. As reported in The Baltimore Sun by Jacob Steinberg in “Excitement for new sport builds in Howard County,” the county recently announced that girls flag football will officially join its high school athletics lineup beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Howard County becomes the eighth county in Maryland to introduce the sport, signaling a statewide wave of support driven by youth demand and community leadership.
The Sun’s coverage highlights what local athletes, coaches, and families already know: this sport is changing lives. Players describe gaining confidence, discipline, and belonging—values that mirror the Be You Sports mission Sunny and his partners built from the ground up.
What began as small conversations among Sunny, Brian Wyman, and Derek Jackson has evolved into a dynamic nonprofit rooted in safety, inclusion, and empowerment. The organization’s rapid growth—fueled by word of mouth, partnerships with local businesses, and support from the Baltimore Ravens—shows the impact that committed community leaders can create.
For Jim, supporting Be You Sports reflects a long-standing belief: sports teach life lessons, build confidence, and open doors. And when leaders step up to invest in young people, the ripple effects stretch far beyond the field.
This story is just one example of how our organization continues to champion youth athletics, access, and opportunity across Maryland. We’re proud to highlight community-driven initiatives like Be You Sports and the incredible individuals behind them.
