She was the first California born and trained player to make the United States women's national under-18 ice hockey team.

[7] Pankowski attended North American Hockey Academy and was a member of the United States U18 National Team.

[8] Pankowski was one of six Badgers named to the United States roster competing at the 2015 IIHF Women's World Championship in Malmö, Sweden.

With Badgers teammate Lauren Williams, the two volunteered with Occupaws, an organization that trains guide dogs for the visually impaired in Wisconsin and bordering states.

Her sister, Ali Pankowski, competes for the Princeton Tigers women's ice hockey program.