Daily Inspiration: Meet Zach Cornell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Cornell.

Hi Zach, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Georgia and have always been drawn to sports and competition. Baseball was a big part of my life from an early age, and it eventually led me to play at a high level, including time in the Washington Nationals organization. That experience taught me a lot about discipline, consistency, and handling both success and failure—lessons that have carried over into every area of my life.

After my time in baseball, I transitioned into the business world and worked in the synthetic turf industry as a marketing manager. That role has allowed me to blend creativity with strategy, helping develop brands and communicate value in a way that resonates with different audiences. It’s been a great way to stay connected to the sports world while also growing professionally. I also just recently finished my masters degree in Digital Marketing from Liberty University.

A unique turning point for me was being cast on Big Brother Season 27. That experience challenged me in a completely different way, mentally and socially, and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It also gave me a broader perspective on people, relationships, and how I want to show up in different environments.

More recently, I’ve gotten involved with a new baseball entertainment league called Boom Ball, which has been a fun and exciting way to reconnect with the game in a different format. It’s competitive, high-energy, and brings a new kind of creativity to baseball.

Overall, my path has been shaped by a mix of athletics, business, and unique experiences that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’m always looking for ways to continue building, learning, and taking on new challenges.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it has definitely not been a smooth road. In professional baseball, I signed during COVID that limited my opportunity to showcase myself my rookie year. The entire first year was canceled. My second year in the system, I was sent back and forth multiple times from Rookie ball to Low-A affiliate in the Washington Nationals system. I remember being released after a double header at 1 AM, calling my dad and just sobbing in the car.

My reality TV show story is by far the most unique. I was supposed to be on a show called Anonymous. I flew out to Spain in 2024 just to be told I was going to be an alternate for the show. This led to my auditioning tape being pushed to both Love Island and Deal or No Deal Island. I was forced to pick between the 2, so I chose Deal or No Deal island just to be replaced on the cast by a Survivor Australian All-Star. Next, the Bachelorette reached out early last year. I was at the final audition only for the show to be postponed due to the CFP and Love Island really exploding. That’s when Big Brother reached out and we ultimately got on that show.

I say this because along the way in my reality TV experience, I had so many different people tell me what I was doing was ridiculous. I had a very good job that I had to give up if I went on a show like Big Brother. People were wanting me to settle. I had to overcome that thought process and trust that God’s opening doors for me, I just have to have the courage to keep trying to step through these doors.

Even after Big Brother Season 27, joining Boom Ball, a startup baseball league, wasn’t viewed by everyone as the right move for me. But with the timing of everything and the way my life has unfolded, I firmly believe in saying yes to every opportunity because each one feels like another door God has opened for me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently play in Boom Ball, a baseball entertainment league that combines the sport with fan interaction and live entertainment. I’ve also had multiple opportunities in reality television following my time on Big Brother Season 27, so I’ve naturally found myself specializing in entertainment, storytelling, and connecting with people both on and off the field.
Baseball has always been a major part of my life, so when Boom Ball reached out after seeing me on Big Brother, it felt like a natural fit and an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

I’m most proud of two chapters of my life: playing professional baseball in the Washington Nationals organization and competing on Big Brother Season 27. Both experiences pushed me far outside of my comfort zone and challenged me mentally, emotionally, and physically. They taught me that the greatest growth happens when you’re willing to step into uncomfortable situations and embrace uncertainty.

What sets me apart is my willingness to say yes to opportunities that many people might overthink or avoid. That mindset has opened doors for me to become one of the main faces of Boom Ball, represent the league at PR events, appear on live television, and be part of some incredibly unique and exciting experiences. More than anything, it has allowed me to combine two things I genuinely love: entertaining people and playing baseball again.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
In every stage of my life, I’ve learned that none of my success has come entirely from myself. Having a strong support system through my family, and most importantly my relationship with Christ, has opened doors that I could have never imagined on my own.

I also believe many people place themselves in boxes based on what they think they’re capable of. At 28 years old, I feel like I’ve already lived four different lives through baseball, reality television, entertainment, and social media. A lot of people stay in one season of life because it feels comfortable, but I believe that mindset can create complacency. Growth comes from being willing to evolve, take risks, and step into new opportunities even when they feel uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zcorn_29/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zscornell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zcorn_29
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zcorn_29