ROUND ROCK (KXAN) — On Friday morning, Round Rock pitcher Mason Thompson’s goal was finally realized. In the 3rd round of the MLB Draft, Thompson was selected by the San Diego Padres.

“Something I lived for, something I’ve spent my whole life looking forward to,” Thompson said.

With his Padres pick, Thompson will sign his contract in the next few days and forgo playing baseball at the University of Texas.

“I’ve been a lifetime Longhorn…turning down an opportunity like that would be extremely difficult, but I believe that I’m ready to take that step and become a professional,” Thompson said. “It’s two dreams coming together, it really is. Going and playing at Texas and playing for the San Diego Padres are two dreams of mine that I’ve had and it just turns out that pro ball may have come calling a little sooner than we expected.”