PLL Assists and Warrior Lacrosse Donate 658 Lacrosse Sticks to CityLax, Celebrate Rob Pannell Becoming the Premier Lacrosse League's All-Time Leading Scorer

New York, NY (Sept. 17, 2026) - One of the greatest moments in professional lacrosse history is creating opportunities for the next generation of players.

CityLax, in partnership with PLL Assists and Warrior Lacrosse, today announced the donation of 658 lacrosse sticks to underserved youth across New York City in celebration of Long Island native and CityLax Board President Rob Pannell becoming the Premier Lacrosse League's all-time points leader earlier this season.

Pannell broke the record on July 17 with a goal and six-point effort in his Maryland Whipsnakes 20-7 victory over the California Redwoods. The donation comes ahead of the 2026 U.S. Bank PLL Championship at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sept. 20 at 12:30pm ET, airing on ABC.

A portion of the sticks were donated to MS577 in Williamsburg Brooklyn on Sept 16 during a Discover Lacrosse clinic Pannell conducted.

The remainder of the sticks will be distributed over the course of the school year through CityLax’s Discover Lacrosse, which is a free initiative that introduces lacrosse to NYC public middle school students through in-school, multi-week physical education class programming. This ensures more students have access to lacrosse regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

"Breaking the scoring record is an incredible honor, but records are meant to inspire what's next,” said Pannell. “If this milestone can help put a lacrosse stick into the hands of 658 young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play, that's far more meaningful than any number on a stat sheet. Every kid deserves the chance to discover this game and the important life lessons that sports teach. I'm proud to partner with PLL Assists, and Warrior to help CityLax make that happen."

For more than 20 years, CityLax has worked to remove barriers to participation by providing free lacrosse programming, equipment, coaching, camps, clinics and mentorship to New York City public school students.

The stick donation comes at a critical time for youth sports. As participation continues to become increasingly tied to family income, CityLax remains committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of athletics.

“The 658 donated sticks will help expand programming, while providing students with the equipment needed to continue playing long after their first introduction to the sport,”  said Rich Lisk, CEO of CityLax. "Thank you to PLL Assists and Warrior for partnering with us to provide the equipment needed to make sure our student-athletes can continue to play the great game of lacrosse long after our Discover Lacrosse programming leaves their school."

“Rob Pannell is the ultimate example of what leadership looks like on and off the lacrosse field. PLL Assists is proud to have helped turn Rob’s record 658 career points into a pathway for new players,” said Tommy Goldman, director of PLL Assists. “A stick is where access starts. A ticket to watch the best lacrosse players in the world is the next step. We can’t wait to have these future lacrosse stars at the U.S. Bank PLL Championship on Sunday.”

"Growing the game of lacrosse can be defined in a few ways, but there is no more impactful way to do it than making it more accessible for any and all athletes who want to give it a try," said Warrior's Gabe O'Neil. "Lacrosse can be an intimidating sport to get into but with the right people and organizations providing opportunities for those who need assistance getting equipment and taught how to play the right way is how it will ascend within the greater landscape of sports. We at Warrior are proud to team up with City Lax and PLL Assists to get sticks in the hands of these young boys and girls in honor of one of the game's greatest advocates and our long-time partner, Rob Pannell."

The initiative also reflects Pannell's commitment to growing the game beyond his accomplishments on the field. Earlier this year, Pannell participated in a CityLax Discover Lacrosse clinic, introducing the sport to students who had never picked up a lacrosse stick before. As Board President, he has become a passionate advocate for expanding access to lacrosse and ensuring more young people have the opportunity to experience the game.

“Warrior has been a great partner my entire professional career,” added Pannell. “Their commitment to CityLax means a great deal to me and I appreciate everything the Warrior team has done for me and the lacrosse-playing community.”