Matt Holland was following the Major League Draft on his computer Tuesday, round by round and pick by pick, when suddenly his name appeared and his dream came true.

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Holland in the 22nd round late Tuesday afternoon as the 691st pick overall, and 10 minutes later a Phillies scout called to discuss what happens next.

"It's a surreal feeling, that's for sure," Holland told the Metro Sports Report Tuesday night.

Holland, who graduated from Marion High School in 2006, had an oustanding year at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi this season and was named a Louisville Slugger All-American. He hit .391 with 10 homers and 53 RBIs for the Islanders.

Holland said he'll probably meet with the Phillies scout on Wednesday or Thursday, then head straight to Clearwater, Fla., by the end of this week to begin his pro career. He's a left-handed hitter outfielder with good power.

Holland, 23, has already graduated from college, which doesn't give him much leverage with the Phillies in terms of negotiating a contract. He plans to sign and get started.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity. It's a dream come true," he said. "Now that I realize I have it, it makes me want to work even harder. I'm ready to go."

Holland said he's been a Twins and Atlanta Braves fan, but those days are over. "I'm a Phillies fan now," he remarked.

He could be wearing a Phillies minor league uniform in a few days. "I've been smiling, but at the same time I'm anxious," he said. "I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous."

He's thankful the Phillies have given him an opportunity.

"It's an ultimate compliment," he said. "They're taking a chance on me and giving me a chance to play."

Holland was the only Metro player selected in the draft on Tuesday, which consisted of Rounds 2 through 30. The draft will end Wednesday with Rounds 31 through 50.

Patrick Lala (Marion H.S., University of Iowa), Dakota Freese (Cedar Rapids Washington), Nate Woods (Xavier H.S., Belmont University) and Austin Christensen (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) are hopeful of getting drafted Wednesday.