Head Coach Todd Lawton Adds Pan Paksanont to Men's and Women's Golf Coaching Staff
9/16/2026 9:48:00 AM | Men's Golf, Women's Golf
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - USC Upstate head men's and women's golf coach Todd Lawton announces the addition of former Spartan standout Pan Paksanont as Sports Performance/Assistant Coach.
Paksanont returns to USC Upstate after most recently serving as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Akron. In her new role, she will manage the sports performance details of both the men's and women's golf programs while assisting the Spartans' on course performance efforts.
"Pan has always been a high achiever. She excelled as a player and will be an asset to our program both on and off the course as she helps improve our sports performance," Lawton said. "Understated is how excited I am to welcome her back to USC Upstate and to see her continue to grow in the coaching profession. She is truly part of the family here."
One of the most accomplished golfers in USC Upstate women's golf history, Paksanont earned numerous honors during her collegiate career. She became the first women's golfer in program history to earn ASUN Freshman of the Year honors and was also named Second Team All-ASUN, ASUN All-Freshman and All-Big South during her career.
Paksanont was named USC Upstate's Freshman of the Year in 2016-17, Most Valuable Player in 2016-17 and 2017-18, Player of the Year in 2018-19 and Impact Player of the Year in 2019-20. She also received the Joe Bowman Pinnacle Award following the 2020-21 academic year.
During her career, Paksanont recorded the best winning percentage in program history at .876. She collected 18 top 10 finishes, including 10 top five performances, and won two individual tournament titles. Her 72.83 scoring average is tied for the second-lowest mark in program history, and she posted a career-low round of 67 during her senior season.
Paksanont earned All-Big South and Big South All-Academic honors in 2021 and was also selected as an NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.
Following her collegiate career, Paksanont began competing professionally in August 2021. She recorded a career-best runner-up finish at the 2021 South Carolina Women's Open after posting rounds of 68, 69 and 75 for a 212 tournament total.
"USC Upstate has always felt like home to me, and Coach Lawton has been one of the most influential people in my life and in my success, both on and off the golf course," Paksanont said. "When the opportunity came to return and coach alongside him, it was a no-brainer for me. I am incredibly grateful to be back, and my goal is to give back to the program that has given me so much and help our student-athletes and USC Upstate succeed in every way I can."
A native of Bangkok, Thailand, Paksanont graduated from USC Upstate with a degree in psychology and coaching. She recently completed her graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling.
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