French wide receiver chases football dreams at LBCC

A 5’10 French playmaking wide receiver that hails from Grenoble, France, now plays for LBCC after playing for the French national team.

Steewell Leboucher said that ever since he discovered football during a family vacation to Florida, it’s been one of his biggest aspirations.

“Since that one trip to Florida, that changed my mindset on everything and got me into football. As soon as I made it back home, I started watching videos and practicing,” said Leboucher.

Leboucher believed that France’s football scene wasn’t massive, but he discovered that over 200 club teams were nearby.

“I went to the national academy in France, even traveled to different parts of Europe for camps to work on my skills,” Leboucher said.

In 2022, Leboucher was part of the French national team, where he began to take a deeper interest in the game of football.

When he had the opportunity to come to America and play football, Loucher said he couldn’t turn it down.

“Playing football in the U.S. is my dream, and I don’t mind being 10,000 kilometers away from home if it means I’m able to be seen,” Leboucher said.

The first time he had ever played football was when he went on a trip to Florida with his family, and ever since, he has grown to love the game.

^{LBCC wide receiver Steewell Leboucher laughs on Sept. 2. He’s starting his second year on the Vikings football team. (Jacyn King)}

For Leboucher, the opportunity to experience a different approach to discipline in America was inspiring.

This is Leboucher’s second year on the team, and he has played multiple positions for LBCC, ranging from special teams to offense.

Head coach Marques Cooper noted the big difference in Leboucher’s performance and how much he has improved since he first got there.

“He’s taken leaps and bounds from last year until now, from playing a little on offense to playing a lot more on offense, he’s worked his behind off to get to the position,” Cooper said..

Beyond his initial improvements, Cooper says that whenever he sees Leboucher, he’s always training. 

“Stewie stays at practice late, he’s in the weight room when I’m getting there, and when I leave, he’s in the weight room or on the field throwing a ball,” Cooper said.

Teammates praised Leboucher for his work ethic and the energy he brings to the team.

“Stewie is a phenomenal character, when it comes to training and even pursuing my dreams, he inspires me to keep going and reaching for the things I want,” wide receiver Owen Tomich said. 

Leboucher and LBCC’s football team will play on Saturday at 6 p.m. against Santa Barbara.