At 19 years old, Saratoga resident Niko Tsakiris is already entering his fourth season as a San Jose Earthquakes midfielder.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “You learn a lot entering the locker room at 16. You grow up pretty fast, but it’s been fun.”
Tsakiris says it was amazing to step into that professional sports environment.
“The Quakes have really helped me out,” he said. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a person and player. I’m excited for this year.”
Speaking of excitement, there were plenty of good vibes when the Quakes and El Camino Health announced a multi-year partnership on Jan. 29 in Mountain View.
The two organizations have made a lasting impact in the South Bay when it comes to promoting healthy living, and more.
El Camino Health will be the Quakes’ official healthcare and jersey-front partner starting in the upcoming 2025 season.
No less than a dozen Earthquakes players—comprising first-team members and youth academy participants—appeared along with El Camino staff (all rocking the new jerseys) during the press event at one of their hospitals.
“I like them,” Tsakiris said. “We’re excited to wear them and obviously excited for this partnership. Having this new sponsorship is fantastic.”
Quakes President Jared Shawlee and El Camino CEO Dan Woods said their two organizations share a common goal: to educate, empower and inspire Bay Area families to live healthy, active lifestyles.
“We realize El Camino shares our commitment to this region,” Shawlee said. “We’re going to invest in our hometown community.”
Woods echoed Shawlee’s sentiments.
“Our organizations both strive for excellence and are committed to having a positive impact on our local communities,” Woods said.
The partnership will significantly expand the Quakes’ existing Get EQ Fit Program, a school health and wellness program benefiting elementary school students in the South Bay. They want to double the program’s reach to more than 40 schools and 10,000 students and their families annually.
The sports team and the health system will also debut an annual Community Health Fair, offering free health screenings, wellness workshops and educational sessions led by El Camino Health professionals, right at PayPal Park.
Additionally, El Camino Health will become the title sponsor of the Quakes’ annual California Clasico Game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Stanford Stadium—arguably the biggest game of the summer in the Bay Area of any sport.
The Quakes’ charitable arm, the Quakes Foundation, partnered with the PG&E Foundation last year to donate $200,000 to help fight food insecurity throughout the Bay Area.
On Jan. 30, the Quakes announced they’ll be teaming up with the Bay Area Host Committee (and various pro franchises) to auction off exclusive memorabilia, with proceeds going to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
Seasonal Work Starts
On the field, the Quakes are looking to get back on track after a couple disappointing seasons.
Although Tsakiris’ production has improved in each of his first three years, the same can’t be said of the Quakes, who haven’t made the MLS playoffs since 2022.
However, they made a big splash in the off-season by hiring Bruce Arena to be their new head coach and sporting director.
“It’s fantastic,” Tsakiris said. “He has a fantastic track record and he’s won wherever he’s gone. You can’t knock that. We’re learning from him and (are) excited for what’s ahead.”
Tsakiris, a 5-foot-10, 165-pound midfielder, started 19 games in the previous season, finishing with an 85.7 pass percentage.
Despite making his pro debut just three years ago, Tsakiris has accumulated plenty of experience, totaling 18 caps with the USA U20 team in international competition.
Tsakiris is looking to take everything he’s learned so far and make his fourth season in San Jose his best one yet.
“All the little things, each and every day, matter a lot,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from guys coming in and out of the locker room, and so this year in particular I’m just trying to grow as an individual, as a player—trying to get stats, and trying to get points for the team.
“There’s a lot to take in, but I’m ready.”
The San Jose Earthquakes open the 2025 season by hosting Real Salt Lake on Feb. 22 at 7:30pm.
