Rob Pannell Bio
Rob Pannell (born December 11, 1989) is an American professional lacrosse player who plays for the Maryland Whipsnakes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). He is a former collegiate player for Cornell University and is recognized as one of the greatest attackmen in the sport’s history. Pannell has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including winning the Tewaaraton Trophy and multiple Ivy League Player of the Year awards. He has been part of Team USA’s national team multiple times, demonstrating his elite skill level in international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Rob Pannell was born in Smithtown, New York. He attended Smithtown High School, where he played on the varsity lacrosse team for three years, leading Long Island in scoring during his senior year with a record 130 points. His outstanding performance earned him a place on Newsday’s All-Long Island second team and a spot on the 2007 high school All-American team. After high school, Pannell attended Deerfield Academy for a post-graduate year, where he excelled in both basketball and lacrosse, setting a Deerfield lacrosse record for points in a single season with 99.
Path to Lacrosse
Pannell began his collegiate career at Cornell University, where he made an immediate impact as the Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2009. He set the Cornell rookie record for points in a season, finishing with a team-high 67 points. Pannell’s performance helped Cornell reach the finals of the 2009 NCAA championship, although they lost to Syracuse. Over the next few years, he continued to excel, earning multiple All-American honors and becoming the first player in Ivy League history to win the Player of the Year award three times.
Rob Pannell Career
Early Career (2013-2015)
Rob Pannell was drafted first overall by the New York Lizards in the 2012 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft. He made his professional debut in 2013, recording 42 points in his rookie season, which earned him a spot in the MLL All-Star game and the Cascade Lacrosse Rookie of the Year award. In 2015, Pannell led the Lizards to an MLL Championship, scoring four goals and one assist in the final game.
Breakthrough (2016-2018)
Pannell’s breakthrough came in 2016 when he was named the Warrior Offensive Player of the Year after breaking the single-season points record with 74 points. He continued to dominate in 2018, setting a new personal best with 78 points, which included 43 goals and 35 assists. His exceptional performance earned him multiple accolades, including the Coca-Cola MVP and Warrior Offensive MVP awards.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Rob Pannell has consistently been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport of lacrosse. He is fourth all-time for career NCAA points and has received numerous awards, including the Tewaaraton Trophy and multiple Ivy League Player of the Year honors. His signature move, the question mark dodge, has become a hallmark of his playing style.
Rob Pannell Award Nominations
Rob Pannell has received several nominations throughout his career, including a nomination for the ESPY Award for Best Male College Athlete in 2011. His consistent performance has made him a standout player in the lacrosse community.
Rob Pannell Awards Won
Pannell has won numerous awards, including the Tewaaraton Trophy in 2013, the Lt. Raymond Enners Award in 2011 and 2013, and the Jack Turnbull Award in 2010 and 2011. He is also a three-time Ivy League Player of the Year and a four-time First Team All-Ivy League selection.
Rob Pannell Family
Rob Pannell is the middle child of Susan and Bob Pannell. He has an older sister, Genevieve, and a younger brother, James, who also plays lacrosse professionally for the Atlas Lacrosse Club in the PLL. His father, Robert, played baseball and football at Brown University, and his uncle, Jim Metzger, is a former All-American lacrosse player.
Personal Life
In addition to his lacrosse career, Rob Pannell has ventured into business as an insurance broker for the Whitmore Agency in Garden City, New York. He is also involved in youth lacrosse development through the Attack Academy, which he founded to focus on offensive skill development for young players. Pannell is sponsored by New Balance/Warrior, Roar Beverage Co., and One Brands, reflecting his influence and presence in the sport.