The WNYPGA Section is thrilled to welcome Lily Panning to the team as our newest PGA WORKS Fellow! Originally from Brockport, NY, Lily’s background in sports leadership and her passion for creating positive experiences through athletics make her a perfect fit for the Section.
Lily graduated from John Carroll University (JCU) in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Leadership and a triple minor in Business, Communication, and French. During her time at JCU, she maintained an impressive GPA while staying heavily involved in campus life. She served as the Financial Advisor for both Women in Sports Leadership and Women’s Club Volleyball, and she worked as an Intramural Sports Supervisor for JCU Recreation. In this role, she oversaw sports activities, managed schedules, and trained student officials for various athletic programs.
Beyond her university involvement, Lily has built a strong foundation in sports operations through high level internships. She spent two summers as a Training Camp Operations Intern for the Buffalo Bills, eventually being promoted to a Group Leader role. Her experience there ranged from managing crowd control and ticket sales to handling complex data entry and logistics for the team. She also gained valuable experience as an Operations Intern for the JCU Football team and as a Social Media Intern for the College Coaches Skills Camp.
Lily is eager to apply her background in teamwork and leadership to the golf industry. She is particularly excited to learn more about the game and the profound impact PGA REACH has on serving the local community.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the PGA REACH WNY Fellowship and join such a passionate team,” Lily shared. “I’m excited to continue learning, building relationships, and creating positive experiences that make the game more accessible for everyone.”
Please join us in giving Lily a warm Western New York welcome!
-Mollie Ray