Alumni named U.S. Cyber Team coaches

University of North Georgia (UNG) alumni Jacob Elliott and Dr. Bryson Payne, a UNG professor of computer science and coordinator of student cyber programs, were both named coaches for the U.S. Cyber Team. The national team will compete in an international competition in 2023.

This is the first time two coaches have come from the same university, making program history. 

Elliot was named "Capture the Flag" coach and Payne was brought back for a second year on the coaching staff as a senior tech mentor. The two attended the Coaches Summit and Draft Day held in Washington, D.C., in October.

"It's exciting to be a member of the U.S. Cyber Team for a second year," Payne said. "I'm especially excited and proud to be working with my colleague, Jacob Elliott."

Elliott originally wanted to join as a competitor but was not eligible due to an age limit of 26.

"This season I ended up being asked to contribute after answering an open call for challenges to the U.S. Cyber Open," Elliott said.

The weekend in the nation's capital included team dinners, a tour of the Capitol, and a tour of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The competition originally started with several thousand competitors nationwide, who were narrowed down to 82 invited to the US Cyber Combine. The final team of 30 who were selected will participate in next year's games.

The coaches were also given a chance to attend the kickoff event for Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, which served as a chance to explore cybersecurity career pathways and build a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce.

The 2023 competition will take place in San Diego, California.