Chasing a dream: Charlie Junior Leota’s inspiring journey

"The job's not done," sums up Charlie Junior Leota, a determined young Pasifika athlete from New Zealand.

From playing backyard rugby and rugby league to earning a full scholarship in American football, Leota’s path to Texas State University is truly inspiring.

Growing up in a traditional Sāmoan household in Central Auckland, Leota once believed that playing football in the United States was an impossible dream.

"I started telling myself, like, it's going to be hard going over there… Realistically, I don't know if I could make it," he said.

“I started growing up, you know, like, I started telling myself, like, it's going to be hard going over there. Realistically, I don't know if I could make it over here for football because, you know, we're from New Zealand.”

But through sheer perseverance, faith, and the support of his family, he turned that dream into reality.

After catching the eye of college scouts at an overseas tournament, Leota received a life-changing message: "I want to congratulate you, we’re offering you a full scholarship."

That moment set the stage for his journey to the US.

Leota playing for the Mount Albert Grammar School First XIII. Photo/Supplied

Life at military school

Leota arrived in New Mexico in early 2021, uncertain about what to expect.

"I didn't even know what to say or what to do because the name 'military' is in the school. I was like, I don’t know what to expect."

Leota found the transition challenging. Days started at 6am with mandatory formation, where students lined up in uniform for attendance before marching to breakfast. Classes ran until the afternoon, followed by position meetings and training sessions.

"At rugby training, it’s just Tuesday, Thursday, get your plays in, get your conditioning done, then play on Saturday. But here, every detail was analysed. Even the smallest step or hand placement could determine whether you win or lose a rep."

Leota started his football journey with the Metro Lions Gridiron club. Photo/Supplied

"We'd go watch film, go over what we're doing for practice that day. The coaches would ask questions like, ‘Did you take the right steps you needed to take? Did you place your hands where you needed to?

"Maybe if you did this and this, you would have been able to win the rep. If you had a good rep, they’d say, ‘I really liked how you did this - we need to see you doing more of this.”

Despite the challenges, Leota thrived. His physicality and work ethic, honed through years of rugby, translated well to the football field.

In his final year at New Mexico Military Institute, he helped lead his team to a national championship, proving he was ready for the next level.

Leota during practice. Photo/Supplied

The move to Texas State

After two years at the military institute, Leota’s performance caught the attention of Texas State University. The recruitment process moved quickly, with the coaching staff making it clear how much they valued him.

"It speaks volumes when the head coach himself hits you up, wanting you and bringing you on a visit as fast as he did."

The transition to Division One football was another major step, but Leota embraced the challenge. "I want to be a part of this program and what you've got going on," he told Texas State’s head coach when he officially committed.

Now, with his sights set on the NFL, Leota remains grounded in his purpose. "For me, that's what I want. And that's what my parents want. If nothing has to come out of their pockets, if everything's provided to me, then that’s where I want to go."

Leota taking a knee after a game. Photo/Supplied

A dream worth chasing

As Leota looks ahead to his future, he hopes his journey can inspire the next generation of athletes back home in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. His message is simple: Never give up on your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they seem.

"Keep that dream alive. For me, that dream was beginning to die off. But then, with the man above watching over me, he blessed me with the opportunity to come here. So don't let that dream die."

Leota understands that talent alone isn’t enough. It’s about taking action, seeking opportunities, and staying disciplined in facing challenges.

"Use every resource possible and all the advice you can take to try and get over here. Once you're here, it's all on you to decide where you want to go from there."

With his sights set on the NFL and a degree within reach, Leota’s journey is far from over. But one thing is sure - he’s making the most of every opportunity, proving that even the biggest dreams can become reality with hard work and perseverance.