Cornell joined a youth circus in Chicago at the age of thirteen in search of excitement. He first took an interest in tumbling and mini trampoline. In 2005, Cornell started to train on the German Wheel. Preparing for The World Championships in Wheel Gymnastics, Cornell practiced every day before and after school. After two years of training, he was awarded a silver medal and became the first American to ever compete in the international competition. Winning four gold medals, Cornell has also shown success in national competitions. Upon graduating from High School in 2008, he transitioned from competition to performing professionally. His career started with the German Wheel on ice, performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Understanding the importance of education, later that year, he enrolled in Illinois State University. Along with earning a degree in elementary education, he was able to grow his circus skills through Illinois State's Gamma Phi Circus program. After graduating, Cornell starting coaching youth circus artists in Chicago and performing on and at various stages, TV shows, and arenas. In July of 2020, Cornell moved to Las Vegas, where he founded the Unity Circus Project, a youth circus the focuses on building kids’ self-confidence using circus art as a tool.