Palm Bay Magnet High School MCJROTC Air Rifle Team Wins Two 2026 National Championships
By Space Coast Daily // September 8, 2026
Palm Bay cadet-athletes capture both the MCJROTC and JROTC All-Service National Air Rifle Championships
Palm Bay Magnet High School proudly announces that its Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MCJROTC) Air Rifle Team has completed a historic championship season by capturing two national titles: the 2026 MCJROTC National Air Rifle Championship and the 2026 JROTC All-Service National Air Rifle Championship.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay Magnet High School proudly announces that its Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MCJROTC) Air Rifle Team has completed a historic championship season by capturing two national titles: the 2026 MCJROTC National Air Rifle Championship and the 2026 JROTC All-Service National Air Rifle Championship.
The remarkable achievement places Palm Bay Magnet High School’s MCJROTC Air Rifle Team among the elite JROTC marksmanship programs in the nation.
The championship team includes: Emily Coombe, Bruce Costa, Misha Hamid, Lacy Pulkkinen and
Marielos Castaneda
The team is coached by SgtMaj Roy J. DeYoung, USMC (Ret), Senior Marine Instructor at Palm Bay Magnet High School.
After earning the 2026 MCJROTC National Air Rifle Championship, Palm Bay advanced to compete against the nation’s top JROTC air rifle programs representing the military services. The team continued its championship performance and captured the 2026 JROTC All-Service National Air Rifle Championship.
Winning both national championships in the same season represents an extraordinary accomplishment for the cadet athletes, their school and the Palm Bay community.
The championships are the culmination of countless hours of training, preparation and competition. Throughout the season, the Palm Bay cadet-athletes demonstrated the precision and technical skill required in competitive air rifle marksmanship while also displaying the discipline, perseverance, teamwork and mental toughness expected of Marine Corps JROTC cadets.
For DeYoung, the team’s championship season reflects a principle summarized by legendary football coach Vince Lombardi:
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of will.” — Vince Lombardi
That message of determination has been reflected throughout the team’s journey. The cadets balanced academics, MCJROTC responsibilities and extensive training while continually challenging themselves to perform at a championship level.
“These young men and women earned this,” said SgtMaj Roy J. DeYoung, USMC (Ret). “Talent can get you started, but championships are won through discipline, preparation and the will to keep working when things become difficult. They believed in one another, trusted their training and refused to settle for anything less than their best. I could not be prouder of what they accomplished and, more importantly, the young leaders they have become.”
The accomplishments of Emily Coombe, Bruce Costa, Misha Hamid, Lacy Pulkkinen and Marielos Castaneda extend beyond scores and championship trophies. Their success represents the leadership, character, commitment and pursuit of excellence that are central to the Marine Corps JROTC program.
Their national titles are also a source of tremendous pride for Palm Bay Magnet High School, Brevard Public Schools and the Palm Bay community.
Palm Bay Magnet High School congratulates its MCJROTC Air Rifle Team on an extraordinary season and proudly recognizes them as:
2026 MCJROTC NATIONAL AIR RIFLE CHAMPIONS
2026 JROTC ALL-SERVICE NATIONAL AIR RIFLE CHAMPION
ABOUT PALM BAY MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL MCJROTC:
The Palm Bay Magnet High School Marine Corps JROTC program is dedicated to developing character, leadership, citizenship, personal responsibility and self-discipline in its cadets. Through academics, leadership development, community service, physical fitness, drill and competitive activities, the program prepares young men and women to become responsible citizens and leaders within their school and community.
