Basic Info
- Full Name: Rob Pannell
- Birthdate: December 11, 1989
- Hometown: Smithtown, New York, USA
- Position: Attack (field lacrosse)
- Height / Weight: 5′10″, about 195 lbs
College Career (Cornell Big Red / Ivy League)
Rob Pannell had an extraordinary collegiate career at Cornell University from 2009 to 2013.
- As a freshman (2009) — he was Ivy League Rookie of the Year, named Third‑Team All‑American, and put up 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists).
- In subsequent seasons he earned major honors:
- USILA Jack Turnbull Award (Outstanding Attackman) in 2010 & 2011
- Ivy League Player of the Year (2010, 2011, 2013) — making him the first three‑time winner in Ivy history.
- USILA Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award (National Player of the Year) in 2011 & 2013.
- First‑Team All‑American in 2010, 2011, 2013 and Third‑Team All‑American in 2009.
- For his senior year (2013), he won the prestigious Tewaaraton Trophy — awarded to the top college lacrosse player in the U.S.
- Career stats at Cornell: 354 career points (150 goals + 204 assists) — at the time, this was the NCAA Division I record.
- Notably, he scored at least one point in every one of his 72 college games.
Summary: Pannell’s college career places him among the all-time greats — combining consistency, skill, and record‑setting performance.
Professional Career (MLL → PLL + International)
After college, Rob transitioned into pro lacrosse, building a decorated career:
Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
- Drafted #1 overall in the 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft by the New York Lizards.
- 2013 (rookie season): 42 points (25 goals, 17 assists) in 10 games; named MLL Rookie of the Year and selected to All‑Star game.
- Over subsequent seasons: consistently among league’s top scorers, earning multiple All‑Star & All‑Pro selections.
- 2015: Led league scoring (68 pts: 38 G + 30 A) — helped Lizards win the MLL Championship.
- 2016: Broke single‑season points record: 74 pts (42 G + 32 A) — became first in MLL history to record 40+ goals and 30+ assists in one season.
- 2018: Set a new record with 78 points in a season; named MLL MVP & Offensive Player of the Year.
Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
- In 2020, Pannell joined the newly formed Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), drafted by Atlas Lacrosse Club.
- Later played for Redwoods Lacrosse Club, and as of 2025 signed with Maryland Whipsnakes.
- Over his pro career (2013–2024): in 135 games, scored 302 goals and 273 assists — total 576 points.
- Earned many accolades: multiple All-Star selections (MLL & PLL), league scoring titles, MVP honors, and regarded as one of the most productive field lacrosse players ever.
International / Team USA
- Represented USA Men’s National Lacrosse Team in world championships (2014, 2018, 2023).
- Known as a veteran leader and key attackman on the team; contributed significantly in assists/goals at major tournaments.
Career Highlights & Awards
Some of Rob Pannell’s most notable achievements:
- NCAA All‑time (at graduation) Career Points Leader — 354 pts at Cornell.
- 2013 Tewaaraton Trophy winner (top college lacrosse player in U.S.)
- Two‑time USILA Lt. Raymond Enners Award (National Player of the Year) — 2011 & 2013
- Four‑time USILA All‑American; multiple Ivy League Player of the Year & First‑Team All‑Ivy selections.
- MLL Rookie of the Year (2013), multiple scoring titles, 2018 MLL MVP & Offensive Player of Year, single‑season MLL records.
- Long professional career with 576 total pro points over 135 games — one of the highest totals in field lacrosse history.
- Represented USA internationally, bringing experience & leadership to national team.
What Makes Rob Pannell Special
- Versatile & consistent scorer: From high school to college to professional — he consistently produced high goals + assists and remained effective for many seasons.
- High lacrosse IQ and leadership: At both Cornell and national team, he was seen as a leader, often creating plays, assists, and guiding his teams under pressure.
- Record‑setting and decorated: He set major records, won top honors (college & pro), achieved high statistical milestones — marking him as one of the all‑time greats.
- Impact beyond stats: Represented USA internationally; helped grow lacrosse visibility and inspired younger players, especially in field lacrosse.