Empowering Students Through CTFs: Meet Coach John Sicklick
Coaches are the heartbeat of the National Cyber League (NCL), and John Sicklick is a shining example of their impact. As a cybersecurity instructor at Long Beach City College, John has made Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions central to his teaching—helping students gain the technical skills, problem-solving mindset, and confidence they need to launch successful cybersecurity careers.
John knows from experience that cybersecurity is about more than memorizing tools or theories—it’s about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios. That’s why CTF competitions are so powerful: they let students practice under pressure, work through complex problems, and think like professionals. In his classes, integrating NCL challenges has transformed learning into a hands-on, engaging experience where students not only build technical expertise but also develop persistence, teamwork, and critical thinking—the same skills employers look for in entry-level hires.
But the NCL is more than just a competition—it’s a community. Students who participate aren’t competing alone; they’re connecting with peers across the country, learning from mentors, and building networks that will support them long after graduation. John sees this as one of NCL’s biggest strengths. “The NCL gives students something they can’t get from lectures alone,” he explains. “It’s about testing yourself, pushing your limits, and realizing you belong in this field. And the community ensures you don’t have to take that journey by yourself.”
John’s own path into cybersecurity wasn’t traditional. He started in oceanography before switching to computer science, later serving in the Navy Reserves on computer security tasks, and working at Boeing before discovering his passion for teaching. That journey helps him connect with students of all backgrounds and remind them that cybersecurity is a field with room for everyone. Since first teaching ethical hacking in 2013, he’s been committed to opening more doors—whether through creating middle school challenges to inspire younger learners or working to establish a bachelor’s degree program at Long Beach City College.
For John, the NCL isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad. By combining the power of CTFs with the support of the NCL Community, coaches like him are helping students prepare for entry-level roles and laying the foundation for long, meaningful careers in cybersecurity.