Leota, who had made a single substitute appearance at the 2006 Women's U-20 World Cup finals in Russia as they held Brazil to a goalless draw, was again included in the U-20 squad for the 2008 Women's U-20 World Cup finals in Chile. She appeared in the first group game as a second-half substitute as New Zealand lost 2–3 against African champions, Nigeria, and scored with her first touch of the ball in their second group game as she came on as a 65th-minute substitute, helping NZ to a 4–3 win over the hosts. In 2010, she represented New Zealand for a third Under-20 World Cup, this time in Germany, playing in all three group games.