Rob Pannell

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.