Mike Graczyk was in Denver awaiting a flight to Charlotte when he checked his voice mail.
That's when the former goalkeeper for the UNM men's soccer team found out he had been drafted by the Colorado Rapids.
"It was actually pretty crazy," Graczyk said. "I was on my way to visit with a team in North Carolina. I just had a bunch of messages from people, including (Colorado's) coach. It was kind of a shock."
Graczyk was taken in the second round by the Rapids on Thursday in the MLS Supplemental Draft. He was the 19th overall pick.
UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said Graczyk has potential to make a big splash at the professional level.
"I think the sky is the limit," he said. "He's got all the tools, and he's got the right work ethic. I think he's going to be a great representative for the Colorado Rapids. We're happy and excited for him."
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As a Lobo, Graczyk was one of the most successful goalkeepers in the nation, as well as in program history. His 30-career shutouts are a UNM record as is his .64 goals against average.
Graczyk helped lead the Lobos to three straight Mountain Pacific Sports Federation titles. He notched two shutouts in the 2005 NCAA Tournament and was named to the College Cup All-Tournament Team that season.
With credentials like that, Fishbein said he expected Graczyk to be taken in the SuperDraft.
He said the need for drafting goalkeepers isn't as strong as it used to be.
"I thought he was going to go a little higher," Fishbein said. "But goalie is a hard one. Keepers play well into their mid-30s now, so there it's harder to get through in that position."
Still, Graczyk said he was not disappointed by having to wait for the supplemental draft.
He said he understood he will have to fight for a roster spot, whether he was taken in the first round of the SuperDraft or the last round of the supplemental draft.
Just getting the opportunity to work for a professional team is a blessing, Graczyk said.
As far as the team he landed with, Graczyk has ended up in a comfortable situation. He said he has made trips to Colorado the past couple summers to work out with players and coaches from the Rapids.
In addition to being close to his hometown of Albuquerque, Graczyk said he likes Colorado because of his new teammates.
"The guys here are awesome," he said. "The guys are really close together. Since I've been here, they've been really welcoming."
Looking at his future as a professional player, Graczyk said he isn't planning on changing it much.
Even though he will make the transition from being the captain of a perennial power to a rookie in the pros, Graczyk said he is counting on the same formula to bring him more success.
"Honestly, for me, I'm just going to take the same steps as I've always taken," he said. "Just try to set a standard for myself and try to make myself better. I've come into a situation, and I just want to help the team in any way I can."
