Last spring, the Barbe Buccaneers won their 11th LHSAA Class 5A State Championship, which was their fifth in the last seven years.  2021 Kyle Debarge (University of Louisiana), was a big reason why the Bucs went 39-2 and won the state title, as Debarge made a move to behind the plate for his senior year.  Who will fill that role?  2025 Presley Courville has a really good shot to be the guy for the Bucs behind the dish this coming spring, and that is a big undertaking for a freshman at national power Barbe.  Courville, however, is an advanced defender for a freshman with a high baseball IQ, which are a couple of reasons why he was offered and eventually committed to Coach Schlossnagle and Texas A&M last month.  The two-time PBR Junior Future Gamer discussed his commitment to the Aggies, among other things, in today's edition of "Commitment Spotlight"

 

-Congratulations on your commitment to Texas A&M!  What led you to choose the Aggies?

Thank you!  Texas A&M felt like a place where I would love to be for 4 years and the atmosphere is great!  In my opinion, it is the best fan base in college sports.  The coaching staff also had a huge roll in my decision on my commitment.  The coaches at A&M have had a lot of success and developed great players.  I also felt very welcomed since Day 1.

 

-All players have people that have helped them along their journey.  Who would you like to thank for helping you get to this point today?

I would like to thank my grandparents who have made many sacrifices to bring me to games and practices since I started playing sports.  I'd also like to thank my dad, who has been there for me and also brought me to games and practices and supported me through everything.  Next, I'd like to thank my older brother, Crawford, who always would hit and throw with me whenever I wanted.  Lastly, I'd like to thank all of my coaches who have helped me get better with the physical part of my game and also the mental part of my game.  

 

-Catching is viewed as the most important defensive position on the field.  What are some things that you pride yourself in as a catcher?

Some things that I take pride in are my leadership and my athleticism.

 

-You are one of the few two-time PBR Junior Future Games members.  What did you enjoy the most out of your experiences at the PBR Junior Future Games?

My first year at the Junior Future Games was during the time right after COVID, so college recruiters couldn't go, so I didn't get to see the full experience, but it was still really fun and there was a ton of competition.  My second year, recruiters were able to come, and it was amazing to see all of the colleges that were there.  Every college that I could think of was there and it was an amazing experience and a great way to get your name out!

 

-You were in the 8th grade last spring, when Barbe won their 11th State Championship.  How has the fall been for the Bucs and what can fans expect our of the team in 2022?

The fall has been amazing!  We have really good players all around and lots of competition going on!  We will play the game very hard, no matter what, and keep our eyes on the main goal of winning another State and National Championship!