Mark Raney (Intro)

• What’s the story of how you became a Quakes fan?

Mark Raney - I did not fall in love with soccer until sometime before the 2006 World Cup. I actually played soccer for Mustang in Danville and John Wondolowski (Chris' dad) was my coach until I was 10. We all looked up to Chris as he would come and help out at practice occasionally as a high schooler. The 2002 World Cup opened my eyes and I started to follow Americans in the Premier around late 2005, just as the Quakes had moved to Houston. After I was fully invested in the 2006 World Cup, I became obsessed with the sport home and abroad including the growth of MLS and its stadiums. I followed the return of the Earthquakes in 2008 very closely from the rumors, to the announcement of their return, to Buck Shaw construction updates, to the expansion draft, and finally to the official return.

In early 2011, I became a Season Ticket Holder and by the end of the season hired on as an Inside Sales rep, and in January 2012 as a Groups Sales Rep. I was with the club until February 2022 as the Director of Group Tickets.

• What’s your favorite Quakes memory?

Mark Raney- On the field, it was the stoppage time Marco Urena goal to send us to the 2017 playoffs on Decision Day.

Off the field, it's all of the time spent with my colleagues on staff trips to cities such as New York City, Montreal, Seattle, Portland, LA, Washington DC, Kansas City, and Atlanta

• What does receiving the Devotion Scarf mean to you?

Mark Raney- This is hard to describe in words. I spent about 1/3 of my life as an employee of the Quakes so it is a true part of who I am. This scarf means so much to me because I feel it truly is connected to not just me, but all my fellow Quakes who also share the same love and passion. I'm most proud of all of the fans I was able to give special experiences as a Group Ticketing rep. Especially the hundreds of kids per game that got to go on the Quakes pitch for the very first time through our clubs' effort.

• Who is your favorite Quakes player of all time and why?

Mark Raney- Excuse the stereotypical answer but it's Chris Wondolowski. It was (and still is) amazing to watch his growth from a high school star to an MLS trialist to a superstar to a World Cup player to an all-time goal scorer. He did this while always being the same hard-working and kind person. He was so active within Bay Area communities and is the definition of a Bay Area sports hero.

• What would you like to say to all the Quakes fans out there?

Mark Raney- Keep on supporting the club and our San Jose community no matter the results, enjoy the time in the stands with your friends/family and community, and together we are all and forever will be a Quakes Family!