Cybersecurity students compete and rank in the top 12% nationally

Every year, over 10,000 students from more than 500 colleges and universities across the US participate in National Cyber League (NCL) competitions. From November 7-9, 2025, Forsyth Tech students competed in the Fall NCL Team Games, competing with over 4,000 teams across the country and scoring 1,830 points. Please congratulate Chris Gamble, Josh Hopper, Hailey Dorantes, Howard King and Nick Stone for scoring in the top 12% in the nation, doing particularly well in forensics and network traffic analysis. 

This year marked Josh Hopper’s second time competing and he earned a Diamond medal in the competition. Last year he ranked in the top 500 and earned a Cyber League Coin. An IT-Programming and Software Development major and Forsyth Tech employee, Josh returned to school as an adult and his goal is to one day open his own game development studio. He describes the NCL competition as an “absolute blast” and came away from the competition knowing more about the field overall.

One thing I’d want people to know is that it’s not just for cybersecurity students — anyone can get involved. Just showing up, trying and asking questions teaches you so much about the cybersecurity space.

Josh says his biggest fan is his daughter Zoey Mae. She is 11 years old, plays the guitar and also loves gaming. Without her support, he would not have restarted his educational career, finished his associate’s degree, competed in the NCL, gotten a job in IT at Forsyth Tech and finished building a video game all in one year. Josh is also thankful for the ways that Forsyth Tech programs and course structure have helped him work through his degree requirements efficiently and for instructors who have been genuinely helpful. Josh says that he has learned an incredible amount during his time at Forsyth Tech, not just in the classroom, but through clubs, events and opportunities the school provides to help students grow in the tech field.

The NCL competition is split into two parts, team and individual. In addition to Josh, Forsyth Tech team members Chris, Howard and Hailey earned Platinum Medals and Nick earned a Silver medal. The Forsyth Tech team is supported by Cybersecurity/System Security Program Coordinator Victoria Ferrell.

As Program Coordinator at Forsyth Tech’s Davis iTec Cybersecurity Center, Ferrell believes in practical, student-centered learning that connects coursework to real cybersecurity careers and that opportunities such as the NCL competition empower students with practical, workforce-ready skills. Josh describes Ferrell as an amazing resource, reflecting that she “helps us find job leads, learn how to network in the IT space and positions students for real success in their careers”.

Forsyth Tech’s cybersecurity programs are hands‑on, career‑focused and nationally-recognized as National Security Agency (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Students gain real‑world skills through labs, certifications, competitions and internships that prepare them for immediate employment or transfer opportunities. 

For more information visit https://www.forsythtech.edu/programs/it-cybersecurity/ or contact Victoria Ferrell (Program Coordinator): vferrell@forsythtech.edu.