Boucher Happy To Find A College Home At Penn State

Leo Boucher RHP / OF / Pinkerton Academy, NH / 2025

CHESTER, N.H. - It was on a visit to Penn State when Leo Boucher found what he was looking for in a college.

“I saw how much care they gave to all their players,” the Pinkerton Academy junior reflected. “They went all out for us. We went with the coaches to see a practice and saw what it would be like from day to day. That brought a lot of comfort seeing what it would be like.”

The official visit was set up after Boucher received an offer from the Big 10 school on Aug. 1.

“Penn State saw me for the first time when I was 14 and each time they saw me play I was with my club team NEB at local events,” the third-rated 2025 from New Hampshire related. “They followed me as they tracked older guys, but it all really happened when I made the decision to go to the Future Games.

“They called early in the morning on Aug. 1, reached out with an offer and tried to schedule an official visit. I didn’t commit right away, I wanted to see it in person, but a week after the visit I committed.”

Penn State liked what they saw in the 6-0 175-pounder, who had a lot of interest from other schools including offers from UConn and Pittsburgh.

“My breaking ball is really my standout pitch and they liked how I can maneuver it the way I want,” the 15th-rated 2025 right-handed pitcher in New England explained. “I can throw hard for my age, I’ve hit 90 one or two times, but what separates me from others throwing hard is the way I can pitch. I’ve gained pitchability since I was younger and that made them comfortable giving me an offer.”

Taking nothing for granted has proven valuable in making his game improve enough to be a Division I college commit.

“Taking value in playing catch before a game, reaching out to teammates about what has helped them, talking to teammates you trust and then giving it genuine time to implement it,” Boucher explained about what has helped him make strides in his game. “All of those things have been big for me in my growth as a person. The growth of my mindset from throwing hard to going out there to pitch has really improved. Losing the arrogance of not wanting to work and using advice from peers and implementing it has also helped.”

There have been numerous individuals that have also been vital in both his development and recruitment according to the second-rated junior RHP in New Hampshire: Scott Patterson and Mike Abraham at NEB; Cory Varrell. Mike Montville and Alex Powers at Powerhouse Sports; pitching coach John DeRouin; Steve Campo, Kyle Harvell and Mike Lynch at Pinkerton Academy; and his father Bryan Boucher.

As for playing at the next level, the idea began just a few years ago.

“Interest for me started after eighth grade summer,” the 16-year-old pointed out. “That’s when I started to think about playing college baseball. The Junior Future Games was what really got me focused on playing in college.”

Recruitment went as planned for the 28th-ranked 2025 in New England.

“My recruiting process has been fairly straightforward,” Boucher admitted. “Playing with NEB, they give their players the most opportunities you can have with the ability to get seen and invited to events like the Future Games. Aug. 1 can be overwhelming, especially after the Future Games where you can get 30-plus calls on day one, but Scott Patterson helped guide me through the process taking one call at a time. Narrowing your options early on took a lot of stress off my shoulders.”

Admittedly, Boucher was ecstatic when a commitment was made.

“It was really awesome,” Boucher reflected. “I had a friend with me and I called my dad and Scott Patterson. It was kind of a surreal moment. Hopefully, it’s not my last call like that I have to make. Now that I’m committed there’s less stress to play and I’m more motivated to do my best on and off the field to start as a freshman. The hard work paid off, but I’m not done yet.”

Business entrepreneurship will be the major at college for Boucher, a 3.7 student looking for great times at the university 71/2 hours from home.

“Hopefully I’ll become a starter,” Boucher said. “I’m going to bring energy, leadership and be another guy that can come in and get wins, somebody reliable to put the work in on and off the field that will do what’s best for the program.

“I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere, the day-to-day life and grind to be successful at that level,” Boucher concluded. “I’m ready for the relationships you can make competing at that high level working for a school and program that’s bigger than yourself. Play your hardest to make it to Omaha, and not only make it but win it.”