Sam Brown's connection to Real Salt Lake extends beyond becoming their first pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the midfielder RSL selected 17th overall interned with the club last summer. Brown assisted multiple departments within the front office, including the communications team.

"My heart was pounding pretty badly," he said of waiting to hear his name called on Friday in Chicago. "I was super pumped."

"My heart was beating through my chest." pic.twitter.com/7NHQNAp694 — Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 12, 2019

Brown made 68 appearances in four years at Harvard, scoring three goals and adding 12 assists. He attributes his selection at least in part to his prior involvement in Salt Lake.

“I think the more a club gets to know someone as a person, the more comfort they have in choosing them as a draft pick,” Brown said.

“I think RSL is a great club and organization,” he added. “I can’t wait to be in Salt Lake and start playing.”