When Brandon Wright transferred to UMGC in 2023 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology, he wasn’t just looking for a degree; he was looking for a proving ground. He found it on the university’s cybersecurity competition team, where real-world challenges and a tight-knit community helped him grow into a nationally recognized competitor.
“Everything I learned that helped me get here came from my experience with the UMGC cyber team,” Wright said. “It’s where I learned to think fast, work under pressure, and trust my instincts.”
Within months of joining, Wright was applying classroom concepts in high-stakes competitions, from digital forensics and threat intelligence to penetration testing and live incident response. “These competitions aren’t just labs, they’re live-fire exercises,” he explained. “You’re patching vulnerabilities in real time, defending systems against active red teams, and doing it all while the clock is ticking.”
That pressure was transformative. “There’s a desire to win, sure, but more than that, there’s a drive to be excellent. You learn to stay calm, adapt quickly, and push through when things don’t go your way. That mindset is what I’ll carry into my career.”
Wright placed 11th in a national Capture the Flag (CTF) qualifier, advanced through an eight-week combine, and was ultimately named one of just 12 new members of the 40-person 2025–2026 U.S. Cyber Team, an elite group representing the country in international cybersecurity competitions.
He credits the UMGC team’s collaborative environment for much of his growth. “It’s not just about what you know, it’s about what you share,” he said. “Helping new members, learning from others, and being part of a community that pushes each other to improve are what make it meaningful.”
Faculty support also played a role. Jesse Varsalone, associate professor of Cybersecurity Technology and coach of UMGC’s competition team, recommended Wright to the national selection committee. On draft day, the moderator highlighted Varsalone’s involvement and the strength of his endorsement.
Now, as Wright prepares to graduate in spring 2026, the Greenville, South Carolina, native is focused on a career in digital forensics or defensive security. He’ll leave UMGC not just with a degree, but with the confidence, experience, and competitive edge to lead in a fast-moving field.