WARWICK, R.I. -- The Community College of Rhode Island’s Cybersecurity Club has established itself as one of the best in the country.

Thanks to a strong showing at the National Cyber League (NCL) fall 2025 competition, CCRI placed 29th nationally out of 490 colleges and universities in the final Cyber Power Rankings for the fall season. CCRI ranked second among all schools in New England, second among all community colleges, and 12th among all schools in the East region.

"The CCRI Cybersecurity Club's achievement in the National Cyber League competition is a tremendous source of pride for our entire community,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “This strong showing is a direct testament to the talent and dedication of our students, the expert guidance our faculty, and the rigorous preparation the club undertakes. Their ability to consistently perform at this high national level solidifies CCRI's reputation as a leading institution in cybersecurity education and demonstrates that our students are well-prepared for real-world cybersecurity tasks and the workforce."

CCRI was commended by David Ziechick, commissioner of the NCL, which has students perform real-world cybersecurity tasks that translate to the workforce.

“It is with esteemed pleasure that we recognize the students and faculty from Community College of Rhode Island for their prestigious efforts during the National Cyber League (NCL) Fall 2025 Competition Season,” Zeichick wrote in a letter to CCRI.

Coached by Cybersecurity Program director Michael Kelly and adjunct faculty member Joe Bransfield, CCRI students participated in individual and team-based events at the NCL fall competition. The Cybersecurity Club features two teams: the Cyber Knights and the Cyber Cavalry.

The Cyber Knights team members were: Corey Davis (West Warwick), Maria Monteiro (Woonsocket), Gabriel Nahod (Warwick), Zachary Hartmann (Barrington), Matthew Mitrelis (Coventry), Elias Marcotte (Pascoag), and Caleb Carr (East Greenwich). The Cyber Cavalry team members were: Cloud Creegan (West Warwick), Wade Chmielinski (North Smithfield), John Gillard (Newport), Reichard Vega (North Providence), Peter Yrchik-Shoemaker (Wakefield), Damian Raposa (Warwick), and Daniel Buckman (Coventry).

Davis, the club Vice President, highlighted a key difference between the spring and fall seasons.

“To me, the biggest improvement we had was the sheer amount of people interested in learning about and competing in the NCL,” he said. “We ended up with two full teams of seven this semester. Cyber Cavalry was entirely new to NCL but had some really great leadership, participation and drive.”

CCRI earned this achievement. Numerous events and meetings, including weekly “Cyber Saturday” sessions at the Newport County Campus, culminated in the Cybersecurity Club proving itself on a national stage.

“The club did an excellent job of bringing new faces, including me,” said Gillard, who led the Cyber Calvary. “I think getting club members involved with events helped maintain the momentum they built. We hosted and joined many events that allowed us to engage with the community and put our skills to use in competitions. I met so many smart and interesting people, and I hope new members can benefit from those experiences, too.”

Kelly credited student leaders, such as Davis and Hartmann (club president), for excelling in their roles as club officers. He also praised Bransfield for his continued leadership.

“Having earned such an outstanding Power Ranking is a great achievement,” Kelly said. “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the team members, our NCL teams continue to excel.  I’m proud to be part of such a successful group.”

The CCRI Cybersecurity Club prepares students for the industry on a professional and social level. In addition to competing in national competitions, students meet to talk about cyber news and participate in other cybersecurity-related activities. The club welcomes all students.