BERKELEY, CA – In the lead up to this week's NFL Draft, Menlo Men's Basketball alumni and College of San Mateo Football standout Corey Le'aupepe embraced a chance to ascend into the professional ranks, competing alongside other NFL hopefuls in a pro day hosted at California Memorial Stadium.

"This opportunity means everything to me," Le'aupepe said. "Having the chance to reach the professional sporting level is something I do not take for granted and I was incredibly grateful to have been sharing the pro day at Cal with guys who have been working and competing at the NCAA Division I level."

Partaking in various physical and agility drills such as a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and route running, Le'aupepe demonstrated his versatility to the pro scouts in attendance. The Wellington, New Zealand native reflected on the experience, emphasizing the consistency and application instilled in him from previous coaches were his main focus.

"This opportunity is bigger than myself," Le'auepepe said. "My coaches at College of San Mateo (Api Mane, Tim Tulloch, Mike Dovenberg, Nate Talakai, Jason Pollak, and more), and Coach Victor Brankovich at Menlo College put hours and effort into preparing me for this opportunity. They have continued to show that same effort after the pro day. This opportunity wouldn't exist for me without them."

Le'aupepe's legacy as a Menlo Oak lives on to this day. Over the course of his 106 games played on the basketball court in the blue and white, Le'aupepe averaged 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest, finishing among the program's top 10 in career points scored (1,054), field goal percentage (.577), field goals made (408), free throws made (234), and blocks (56). He collected numerous accolades as well including the 2022 Sports Performance Iron Oak Award, CSC Academic All-District and Dean's List honors, and three GSAC Scholar-Athlete selections.

"My time at Menlo College gave me a solid foundation in terms of family culture," Le'aupepe said. "Coach Kaniela Aiona was the head coach who recruited me to attend Menlo back in 2018 and he did a great job of fostering a family culture similar to that at CSM. And I think this is a core principle that has carried me throughout my journey. It helped push me through those tough days because it forced me to sacrifice personal feelings and to simply do it for the people around me – for the people who helped me and made sacrifices to get me to where I am. My favorite proverb is the one that goes: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' The brothers who I played alongside and coaching staff at Menlo and CSM became my family and having that family foundation before the work, before the sweat, and all that is what I think has been vital in preparing me over the years."

After finishing his basketball career, Le'aupepe joined the football ranks at College of San Mateo in 2023. He made the transition seamlessly, averaging 12.8 yards per catch with four touchdowns including a 39-yard score against San Joaquin Delta. Le'aupepe would close out his career as All-Bay 6 Honorable Mention.

"This opportunity to me is a culmination of the culture of family and hard work that CSM and Menlo have taught me," Le'aupepe said. "It takes a tribe to prepare for something like this, and I'm fortunate enough to have the most loyal, hard-working men in my corner."

As Le'aupepe continues his professional journey, his unifying personality, his toughness, and his relentless drive will shine through in whatever uniform he dons next.