Emily Reier ’28
From the diamonds of UNCW to the bright lights of Banana Ball, Zachary Bridges ’21 and Jayson Arendt ’24 have taken baseball to a whole new level. It’s louder, brighter and, in true Banana Ball fashion, a lot more fun.
Now, their playing field looks a little different. Instead of quiet dugouts and traditional innings, they’re surrounded by dancing players, cheering fans and the electric pace of Banana Ball — a perfect fit for two athletes who never stopped finding joy in the game.
Family, Faith and Finding Your Place
For Zachary, baseball (and UNCW) has always been a family affair.
Zachary '21 and Noah '22 Bridges standing on Brooks Field
“My family always joked that Noah and I would go to UNCW and both play baseball,” he said. “My mom and dad met at UNCW, my grandparents went there, my cousins went there, and it quickly became the school I wanted to go to as a kid. Being able to walk the same routes my family did without a doubt made me appreciate my time at Wilmington even more.”
Zachary’s younger brother, Noah Bridges ’22, shared much of that journey with him. Competitive, supportive and inseparable, they pushed each other to improve every step of the way. “Noah and I have always been pretty tight,” said Zachary. “We had the privilege to play together at South Johnston, where Noah was a junior when he committed to UNCW. I was still searching for my school and was so blessed to land at Brunswick Community College, which led me to playing at UNCW my sophomore year with Noah.”
Now, they’re teammates once again with the Banana Ball Firefighters.
Zachary Bridges '21
“When I signed with the Firefighters, knowing Noah would be wearing the same uniform, I was beyond excited.”
For the Bridges brothers, playing together has always been special. “I’m a year and a day older than him, so we’ve always pretty much been on the same team,” Zachary said. “To be able to play D1 ball together and then transition to Banana Ball, it really is special. I believe God has us right where we he wants us, and we’ve only gotten closer.”
Zachary credits his time at UNCW for more than baseball skills. “My leadership class with Robert Jaeger ’18 taught me how important it was to ‘stay where your feet are,'" he said. “That mindset really prepared me for long, fast-paced days. Between the entertainment side and baseball, things move quickly — so slowing down, staying grounded and adapting has been huge.”
Zachary '21 and Noah '22 Bridges on home plate at Fenway Park
While Zachary and Noah bring their brotherly chemistry to the Firefighters, another Seahawk is turning heads on a different Banana Ball stage.
Jayson Arendt ’24, now with the Texas Tailgaters, found his rhythm at UNCW — both on the field and in the music studio. Juggling academics, D1 baseball and music, he discovered discipline and time management the hard way.
“In order to be successful at any level, discipline and time management are everything. My parents taught me that early, but you never really learn it until you’re in the thick of it,” Jayson said. “I had to learn fast how to manage my time and stay disciplined to the goal at hand with the heavy load that academics, D1 college baseball and a music career have.”
Like the Bridges, Jayson also shared a connection through baseball with his brother, Bryan Arendt ’25.
“My brother and I are more than just teammates; we’ve been best friends for years," said Jayson. ""From the time I started playing competitive baseball at the age of 10, we played together."
Jayson '24 and Bryan '25 Arendt standing on Brooks Field holding the 2024 CAA Baseball Championship trophy
Winning back-to-back CAA Championships while at UNCW was "the cherry on top", for Jayson. "Through that process, I learned when you spend so much time grinding together, all your teammates become brothers — and that’s what made the UNCW teams so special.”
Teamwork, Creativity and the Banana Ball Stage
Now, both Zachary and Jayson are thriving in the high-energy, unconventional world of Banana Ball, where the game is as much about showmanship as it is baseball.
Zachary says the transition from college to professional entertainment sports was surprisingly natural.
“Banana Ball is the definition of a team effort. Although it’s not 100% baseball like my time at UNCW was, the team plays an enormous role in having success,” said Zachary.
“My time at UNCW taught me how to be coachable — how to roll with the punches and adapt. Game days can be 12-plus hours, and two of those hours are spent playing a nine-inning game as fast as we can. Learning how to slow down and stay in the moment has been huge.”
For Jayson, the creative side of his personality adds another layer to the performance. “I always loved singing, even when I was young, but never seriously,” he said.
Jayson Arendt '24 playing guitar
“I taught myself guitar during the pandemic, and it’s helped tremendously in sports entertainment. The ability to do both is rare in sports, and it’s helped me stand out.”
Jayson sees lessons from UNCW showing up in unexpected ways.
“One of the things I learned in my business and marketing classes was to always create value. In everything you do, find a way to add value to yourself, your product, your service,” Jayson said. “That mindset carries over every day as a musician, baseball player and teammate.”
Both athletes have advice for current Seahawks chasing careers in sports or entertainment:
Zachary: “100% commit to it. The impact we have on fans is incredible and warms the heart, but the goal at the end of the day is not fame, money or glamor. It is much more than that. It is an act of service to be selfless, loving and humble like our savior, Jesus Christ was. So, I say go for it and enjoy it!”
Jayson Arendt '24 singing
Jayson: “BE DIFFERENT! No one wants to hire more of the same.
What makes you stand out? What do you do different? How can you positively impact the organization or the profession? How can you make yourself valuable to others? Those are the things I ask myself that drove me to be the best I can be.”
Seahawks at Heart
Despite their busy schedules and travel, both Zachary and Jayson maintain a strong connection to UNCW. Zachary is an avid follower of the baseball program on social media and treasures trips back home during the holidays. “Christmas break is the best time to make my way back into town and see loved ones. Social media has been the best way to stay connected.”
Jayson also returns whenever possible. “I love coming back to see the games, staff, players and those who supported me. The progress at the stadium and facilities is amazing, and it’s great to witness the university’s growth firsthand.”
From Wilmington to the world stage, Zachary and Jayson continue to carry the Seahawk spirit wherever they go – blending teamwork, creativity and a love of the game into everything they do. Banana Ball might be unconventional, but for these athletes, it’s the perfect home.
Fans can catch the Bananas in action all season long – cheering, dancing and watching these Seahawks light up every game. Visit the Banana Ball Website for tickets.