Helping New Coaches Get Started with the National Cyber League
Stepping into the role of a coach in the National Cyber League is an exciting opportunity, and recently the NCL community came together for a webinar designed to help new and emerging coaches feel supported from the start.
Hosted by NCL Commissioner David Zeichick alongside several experienced NCL coaches, the session focused on helping coaches better understand how to set their students up for success in competition. The discussion addressed common questions from new coaches, including where to begin, how to incorporate NCL into a classroom or club environment, and how to guide students effectively throughout the season.
During the session, attendees were introduced to several key resources that can simplify season planning and strengthen the student experience. These included the NCL Canvas shell, which aligns directly with course curriculum, and the NCL Community Discord, where students and coaches collaborate, ask questions, and support one another throughout the season.
Participants also learned about the monthly Coaches Call, an ongoing opportunity for educators to connect with fellow coaches, share strategies, and exchange ideas for supporting student competitors.
One of the highlights of the webinar was hearing firsthand insights from seasoned coaches who have guided students through multiple NCL seasons. They shared practical advice, lessons learned, and strategies that have helped their teams grow both technically and professionally.
The event reinforced that coaching in NCL is more than simply managing a competition, it is about joining a national community dedicated to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
For those who were unable to attend, a recording of the webinar is available so coaches can revisit the discussion and access the shared resources at their convenience