El Camino College Cybersecurity Team Ranks in Top 12% Nationally in National Cyber League Competition
El Camino College cybersecurity students have earned national recognition after ranking among the top cybersecurity competitors in the country during the National Cyber League (NCL) Spring 2026 competition season.
Competing against more than 7,500 students from 441 colleges and universities nationwide, El Camino College achieved an impressive No. 52 national ranking, placing the college in the top 12% of cybersecurity programs in the
nation according to the National Cyber League Cyber Power Rankings. The National Cyber League, powered by Cyber Skyline, is one of the nation's premier cybersecurity competitions, challenging students with real-world scenarios that mirror the work performed by cybersecurity professionals. Through hands-on exercises in areas such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, network security, and incident response, students gain practical experience while developing highly sought-after workforce skills.
The nationally recognized El Camino College competitors were coached by Computer Information Systems (CIS) instructor Hac Le and included:
- Baiyi Zhou - ranked 84th
- Manae Kobatake - ranked 221st
- Rachelle Martinez - ranked 231st
- Moeca Takeshima - ranked 434th
- Shubhangi Waldiya - ranked 550th (not pictured in above photo)
In a congratulatory letter to the college, National Cyber League Commissioner Dr. David Zeichick commended the team for its outstanding performance and recognized the students' commitment to excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. The organization also recognized El Camino College professor Hac Le for his leadership and mentorship, noting his role in helping students develop the technical expertise and confidence needed to excel in a highly competitive national environment.
"My deepest gratitude goes to the NCL Coaching Team: CIS instructors Richard Perkins, Khai Lu, Joanna Tang, Martin Anaya, Yolanda Kol, Jesus Rubio, Dennis Kane, Patrick Palmer, and student Russell Cardoza for their dedication and willingness to share their expertise were instrumental to our success,” expressed Le. “Above all, I am incredibly proud of every student who competed. By stepping outside their comfort zones and tackling this challenge head-on, they are all winners. They put in the hard work, and this recognition belongs entirely to them."
"This remarkable accomplishment reflects the talent, dedication, and hard work of our students and faculty," said Dr. Brenda Thames, Superintendent/President of El Camino College. "To be ranked among the top cybersecurity programs in the nation is a testament to the quality of instruction, innovation, and hands-on learning opportunities available at El Camino College. We are incredibly proud of our students for representing the college with distinction on a national stage."
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and demand for skilled professionals grows, competitions such as the National Cyber League provide students with valuable opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while building credentials that enhance their academic and career success.
El Camino College's strong national showing underscores the college's commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in cybersecurity, information technology, and other STEM fields through rigorous academic programs and experiential learning opportunities.