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PAGCS Celebrates Its Largest Scholarship Cohort

Posted on Oct. 29, 2026  /  Subscribe 0

The Association is excited to announce the 2026 Scholarship Recipients:

Turf Student Scholarship Recipients

Learn More about the Recipients

Anna Coccodrilli, Legacy Scholarship Recipient 2026, Daughter of Ryan Coccodrilli, Golf Course Superintendent, Eagle Oaks

PSU, Agricultural Business Management, Class of May 2027

Internship: Golf Association of Philadelphia through the USGA P.J. Boatwright internship program. 

In her own words:

“Growing up watching my father work from sunrise to sundown, and seeing his dedication to his career instilled in me a strong work ethic and great admiration for the turfgrass industry.”

“I have developed a strong interest in the business and marketing side of the golf industry, particularly as it relates to turfgrass. I am fascinated by the new technology and environmental practices that are being introduced to the industry, and hope to build a career that allows me to remain connected. ….

“The people who work in turf are extremely hard working, but the people you meet along the way make it worthwhile….

“the example that my father has set for me and my opportunity to pursue my own path in an industry has been so significant in my life. 

Jack Morris, Frank I. Shuman Turf Student Scholarship Recipient 2026

PSU, Turfgrass Science, Class of 2028

Internship: Whitford CC, Eric Junkins

Jack got involved in the turf industry at a young age:
“I’ve always enjoyed hands on work and being outdoors. I realized I could turn something I enjoy into a career and make a good living doing it.”

“I want to continue growing my knowledge and experience in the turf industry, learn new perspectives, and help make golf courses the best they can be. I enjoy seeing the results of my hard work and making a difference in the quality of a course.”

Fun Fact: I’m a big Buffalo Bills fan!

Ryan Sutcliffe, George E. Ley Turf Student Scholarship Recipient 2026

PSU, Associates Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management

Class of Winter 2027

Internship: Bidermann Golf Club, Pat Michener

After graduating from Temple with a degree in film in 2022, Ryan sought a career change that landed him on solid turf. 

“ I realized that working outside was all I was ever looking for and I was hooked. During that period, I became deeply interested in golf course architecture and maintenance after discovering a website called “The Fried Egg.”

“Over time, I realized how much I valued working outdoors and being part of a team dedicated to maintaining a beautiful, living work of art that is a golf course. The work challenged me physically and mentally, strengthened my discipline, and taught me the importance of consistency and attention to detail. I developed a passion for operating machinery, improving course conditions, and learning everything I could about the science behind turfgrass management. Most importantly, I discovered how rewarding it was to work hard every day and see the direct results of that effort.”

Rylan LeVan, PAGCS Turf Student Scholarship 2026

Delaware Valley University, Turf Management and Plant & Soil Science, Class of 2029

Internship: Bellewood CC, Jason Kahr

While studying Horticulture and Landscaping at Berks Career & Technology Center, Ryan graduated at the top of his class.

“This confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career where science, problem-solving, and outdoor leadership come together. Since then, I have continued to build that foundation both in the classroom and in the field….Every day on the course reinforces that this is the career I want to dedicate myself to.”

Fun Fact: Division III lacrosse student-athlete 

Logan Shilling, Legacy Scholarship Recipient 2026

Drexel University, Civil Engineering, Class of 2031

I have been working tirelessly to improve my grades during high school to prepare for
the rigorous coursework that I will experience in college. Working as hard as I do at
my job at Jeffersonville Golf Club makes me feel like I can take on the challenge of rigorous
courses, but it also teaches me discipline, attentiveness, courtesy to customers, and even
balance between having a good time and when it’s time to put my head down and work. All of
these things will help me be successful and be a contributing worker in the future for the greater
good.

Annabelle Collins, Legacy Scholarship Recipient 2026

I grew up in the golf world. My dad has been a Golf Course Superintendent my whole life, so I spent a lot of time on and around courses growing up. The world around turf maintenance captured my attention: the atmosphere of a well-run club, the way members talk about it like a second home, the behind-the-scenes effort that makes it all feel effortless. I understand this industry's culture in a way that's hard to teach.

As I got older, I started realizing what made me excited: creativity, communication, and the business side of club management. Marketing felt like a natural fit; it's where strategy, communication, and art meet. 

My goal is not simply to earn a degree, but to use it for the growth of the community that has shaped my life in the best ways. 

Sean Brady, PAGCS Turf Student Scholarship Recipient 2026

I am a senior at Penn State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass
Science and a minor in Agribusiness Management, with an expected graduation date of May
2027.

I am drawn to this field because it combines science and problem solving in a way that
produces visible, tangible results while also allowing me to work outside and get my hands dirty.

This summer, I worked as an Agronomy Intern at Aronimink Golf Club before, during, and after
the 2026 PGA Championship Tournament. Working as an intern gave me a front-row seat to learn about crew leadership and the day-to-day operations of a championship-caliber agronomy team.

During Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and again this fall semester, I have worked as a student grounds
crew member at Penn State University Park, helping to maintain the grounds at Beaver
Stadium, Jeffrey Field, and other campus athletic and recreational fields. In summer 2025, I
worked as a grounds crew member for the Reading Fightin' Phils, where I helped prepare the
field and infield for games, repaired playing surfaces, and helped maintain irrigation systems.

On the academic side, I made the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean's List for
the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, and I was recently awarded the J. Franklin and
Agnes T. Styer Scholarship in Horticulture. 

As I complete the last two semesters toward my degree at Penn State, my goal is to continue
building practical experience alongside my coursework so that I graduate ready to step into a
career. 

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