FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A lifelong dream that was 21 years in the making finally came to fruition on Tuesday afternoon as Nova Southeastern catcher Jake Anchia was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the seventh round, pick No. 208 overall, of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft.

Anchia becomes the second-highest draft pick in program history, and the 14^th player taken since head coach Greg Brown took over the program back in 2010.

"The amount of suspense and anxiety was unreal," said Anchia. "When I got the call, my heart immediately sank because I knew what was about to happen. When they announced my name, everything went silent. I was in awe for about 20 minutes and couldn't catch my breath. Everything was surreal. All the time and effort I've put into this game has paid off. I immediately called all the NSU coaches and thanked them for everything, because I couldn't have done it without them. This was exactly how I hoped it would pan out. I can't wait to keep grinding for the M's!"

A product of nearby Archbishop McCarthy High School, Anchia had earned scouts' attention from the moment he stepped foot on the Nova Southeastern campus in the fall of 2015. Even in a small sample size during his freshman campaign, Anchia flashed enormous potential by tallying eight home runs in just 73 at-bats, including a two-run shot during the Sharks' improbable 2016 run to the national title. Just two years later, the junior developed into what Baseball America labeled "the best defensive catcher available in Division II", all while continuing to mash his way to All-America honors. In 51 starts in 2018, Anchia hit .340 with 22 homers and 64 runs batted in, and will wrap up his illustrious NSU career as the school's all-time home run leader, even ahead of the likes of MLB star JD Martinez.

"When Jake came to NSU, he was very raw and needed refinement as a catcher and an all-around hitter," Brown recalled. "Through his energy and effort, he used his three years at NSU to develop both on the field and off as a ballplayer, leader and a man.

"This opportunity is much deserved and I think the best is yet to come for Jake. It has truly been an honor to be a part of his achievements and successes."

Anchia joins right-handed pitchers John Axford (2001) and Doug Fister (2006) as other notable seventh-rounder selections by the Mariners.

To stay up-to-date with the Sharks throughout the draft, follow along on Twitter @NSU_Baseball.