What began as a trip to Nebraska to compete among the nation’s best young marksmen ended with a national championship for DeSoto Parish’s Emma Houston and Team Louisiana.
Houston, the 2026 Louisiana 4-H State Muzzleloader Champion, recently represented both DeSoto Parish and the state of Louisiana at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition, where she competed alongside fellow Louisiana team members Eli Smith, Keith Ward, and Weston Walsh.
Following an outstanding performance, the team earned the title of 2026 National Shooting Sports Champions, bringing home one of the highest honors available in youth shooting sports competition.
Houston qualified for the national event after capturing the Louisiana State 4-H Muzzleloader Championship, an accomplishment that reflected years of dedication, training, discipline, and commitment to the sport.
The national competition draws top youth shooters from across the United States and challenges participants to demonstrate not only marksmanship skills, but also sportsmanship, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.
Earlier this week, DeSoto 4-H wished Houston well as she headed to Nebraska to compete against the nation’s best.
Now, those well wishes have turned into congratulations as Houston returns home as part of a national championship team.
“A HUGE congratulations to Emma Houston, Eli Smith, Keith Ward, and Weston Walsh on becoming the 2026 National Shooting Sports Champions!” DeSoto 4-H shared following the competition. “Way to go Team Louisiana! Well deserved! DeSoto is proud of you!”
Houston’s success continues a proud tradition of excellence within Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports and serves as a testament to the opportunities available through youth development programs across the state.
As a national champion, Houston has not only represented DeSoto Parish with distinction but has also helped showcase Louisiana’s strength in competitive shooting sports on a national stage.
Community members, family, coaches, and fellow 4-H participants are celebrating the achievement and the dedication that helped make this championship moment possible.
For DeSoto Parish, Emma Houston’s national title is a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and commitment can lead local youth to success at the highest levels of competition.