Ben Couvreur's Journey: From Montpellier to Kansas and Beyond

Among the standout stories lighting up the news of French players chasing their dreams across the pond, Ben Couvreur’s deserves special attention. Already making waves on the mound, the French hurler is set to take a major career leap by joining the top-tier American college baseball scene in the Big 12 Conference.

Before jetting off to Kansas, Couvreur is wrapping up his final regular-season outings with Montpellier’s Barracudas. Baseball TV caught up with him to chat about this new adventure, his ambitions, and the challenges awaiting him on the other side of the Atlantic.

BTVF: After honing your skills in France, you took your game to the U.S., first at Cochise College. What were the most memorable moments from your early days on American soil? What surprised you most—on and off the field?

What struck me the most was the relentless daily grind. The facilities, player development, and intensity of training are next-level. Off the field, I also discovered a new culture and way of life, which I absolutely loved.

BTVF: You still suit up for the Barracudas when you’re back in France. Since your U.S. experience, has your perspective on French baseball and its level of play changed?

It’s so important for me to keep playing with Montpellier when I’m home. It lets me continue competing while applying what I’ve learned in the States. I think French baseball keeps getting better, and it’s always a treat to come back to the club where I grew up.

BTVF: You’ve just been accepted into Kansas Baseball, a powerhouse college program that churns out MLB Draft picks year after year. How did the recruitment process go, and what convinced the staff to take a chance on you?

The recruitment process went smoothly. The recruiter was awesome—super supportive and took the time to explain everything. What sold me on Kansas was the top-notch facilities, the quality of the coaches, and the fact that the program is on the rise. I also had a ton of great chats with Mathis Nayral, who only had positive things to say about player development and the team environment.

BTVF: Mathias Lacombe and Mathis Nayral are two French baseball icons who’ve made it in the U.S. Mathis’s recent journey—all the way to the Draft—shows it’s possible to climb the ladder. How do you view their careers, and what do you take away from your exchanges with them?

Their careers are a huge inspiration for me and all young French players. I try to check in with them now and then since we’ve followed similar paths—from the French national program to Cochise College. They’ve already lived through the steps I’m going through, and their advice has been invaluable. My talks with Mathis really helped solidify my decision to join Kansas.

BTVF: With your U.S. experience under your belt, you now have a clearer picture of your strengths and areas to improve. Which pitching aspects are you prioritizing right now?

My main focus is tightening up my consistency across every pitch. I want to keep building my velocity and movement while improving my ability to execute in high-pressure moments. Baseball is all about constant refinement, so I’m working on every facet of my game to become the most complete pitcher I can be.

BTVF: The MLB Draft is likely a mid-term goal. Do you fully embrace that ambition? Have you set a timeline or specific milestones to get there?

Absolutely—the MLB Draft is in my sights, like so many players at this level. But right now, I’m laser-focused on my development. I’ll see how things go at Kansas first and keep grinding to improve every day. I don’t want to rush the process or set a rigid timeline. If I do things the right way and keep progressing, the Draft might just come naturally.

BTVF: You’re trading Arizona’s desert for Kansas’s plains—different environment, climate, and culture. How are you approaching this next chapter of your American journey?

I’m really excited to dive into this new experience. Kansas will be a world apart from Arizona, whether it’s the weather or the surroundings, but I see it as a chance to grow. I’m joining a program fresh off a strong season with big ambitions. I can’t wait to face a new level of competition, work with the staff, and keep improving in such a competitive environment.

BTVF: Spending years in the U.S. inevitably changes a person. How do you keep your French culture alive day-to-day, and what do you miss most when you’re away from home?

I’m lucky to stay super connected with my family and close friends, which keeps my bond with France strong despite the distance. I also try to share bits of our culture with my teammates. What I miss most? Obviously, my family and friends. Even though I love it in the U.S., there are moments when they’re not around that hit hard. And, of course, French food!

BTVF: What goals have you set for your first season with Kansas Baseball—both individually and as a team?

My top priority is to integrate quickly and earn the staff’s trust. I want to keep improving and contribute whenever I step on the mound. As a team, I hope we can have a standout season and go as far as possible. Personally, I just want to keep learning, growing throughout the year, and helping the team hit its targets.

BTVF: To wrap up, what message would you send to young French players dreaming of following in your footsteps to pursue their careers in U.S. college baseball?

I’d tell them not to fear stepping out of their comfort zone. Heading to the U.S. isn’t always easy—you’ve got to adapt to a new language, culture, and an elite baseball level. But if you’re ready to work hard, stay patient, and believe in yourself, it’s an incredible experience—both on and off the field. Don’t put limits on yourself because, with hard work and perseverance, anything can happen fast.

Interview by Didier Cannioux

Photo credits: Glenn Gervot, RS Club, FFBS