When it comes to cybersecurity, the pressure is real, the stakes are high, and only the sharpest digital defenders rise to the challenge. This fall, University of Advancing Technology’s (UAT) Cyber Ninjas stepped confidently onto the virtual battlefield of the National Cyber League (NCL)—a nationwide competition that tests the skills, strategy, and grit of the next generation of cyber professionals.
NCL is a nationwide cyber competition where teams compete against each other to solve as many cybersecurity-related puzzles as possible. The NCL provides numerous puzzles that can be solved in any order, covering many topics in cybersecurity, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), cryptography, password cracking, scanning and reconnaissance, wireless access exploitation, web application exploitation, enumeration and exploitation, log analysis, and forensics.
The Ninjas began training for the competition this summer by working through the NCL provided practice 'gyms' that provided dozens of practice questions that are easier than the ones that will appear in the actual competition. They also utilized other practice platforms including TryHackMe.
This year's competition included 4,100 teams with each team having a maximum of 7 members. Every puzzle solved gives the team a number of points based on the difficulty of the puzzle with a range from 10 to 60 points. When it came time for the actual competition, the UAT Cyber Ninjas came prepared. As a result of their hard work, the Ninjas finished in 115th place with a total of 2450 points out of a maximum 3000. They bested their last years completion of 73% by completing 83% of the 2025 competition.
This year's team consisted of Boone Stewart, Jason McDaniel, Jayse Monty, Daniel Drljaca, and Nicholas Honkus. They also received help from other UAT students Dylan Maxwell and Keegan Heaton, as well as UAT Alumnus and 2024 Valedictorian Ozzy James.
UAT couldn’t be more proud of the Cyber Ninjas and the way they represented the university throughout the National Cyber League competition. Their grit, collaboration, and technical excellence shined from start to finish, showcasing exactly what it means to be a UAT innovator and problem-solver. This team not only demonstrated their individual talent but also embodied the spirit of our cyber community—driven, curious, and ready to defend the digital world. Their performance reflects the strength of UAT’s cybersecurity programs and the bright future ahead for every student who steps into the arena.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Check out UAT’s cybersecurity programs and get started on a hands-on, challenge-driven cyber education.