Jackson softball stars close despite age difference

There is a friendship between Jackson High School softball teammates Kayla Ellis and Sam Mutolo that transcends age, experience or class standing.

They’re two talented athletes who celebrate as much in each other’s success as they do in their own — even though one is a senior headed to play at the next level and the other is a freshman who recently moved here from Arizona.

“Kayla and Sam get along very well,” Jackson head coach Kyle Peacocke said. “Both kids bring a smile and a positive attitude.”

At times, their relationship is one of teacher and student, with Ellis mentoring the freshman to take her place once Ellis graduates. The two play the same position — catcher — but since Ellis has that spot locked up until she takes her talents to Central Washington University next season, Peacocke has had to be creative in finding ways to get Mutolo’s potent bat in the lineup.

“I play pretty much everywhere but the corners and pitcher,” said Mutolo, who is hitting .359 with three home runs and 16 runs batted in.

In a recent game against Cascade, Mutolo manned a spot in the outfield and batted leadoff. Ellis hit clean-up.

“She has the best attitude,” Ellis said of Mutolo. “She is a great hitter, has a great arm and she might be the fastest player on the team.”

In her second at-bat against the Bruins, Mutolo walked to the plate as chants of “Sam! Sam!” radiated from the stands. She briefly looked over and smiled before reapplying her game face. She then drilled a line-drive single to the left of second base. Two batters later, Ellis brought her home with an RBI single. Ellis is hitting .534 with seven home runs and 29 RBI.

“Sam has been doing a tremendous job of setting the table for our offense,” Peacocke said. “She also has some pop, often leading off the game with an extra-base hit. Kayla is a power hitter and drives in a ton of runs.”

In the Cascade game, Ellis hit a home run in her next at-bat, a blast that seemed to clear the fence in a nano-second. Before the center fielder could even react, the ball wisped past, bounced off some grass beyond the left-center field wall and settled under some trees about 20 feet past the field of play. Of course, Mutolo was waiting to congratulate her teammate at home plate.

“Kayla is amazing,” Mutolo said. “She is one of the best players on the team and her arm is incredible.”

That’s not hyperbole.

Later in the game, Ellis threw out a would-be base-stealer with a missile to second that would make the Mariners’ Mike Zunino jealous.

“Kayla is a natural leader,” Peacocke said. “She works hard every day and sets an example for the whole team to follow. Sam has speed, a strong arm, a great bat and understands the game very well.”

For now, Mutolo learns from one of the best, and the two complement each other well as they lead the 16-5 Timberwolves into next week’s Class 4A District tournament.

Against Cascade, Ellis and Mutolo were a combined 6-for-6, with four singles, a double and a home run.

“All right!” Ellis said when informed after game of the impressive stat line.

Standing right next to her was Mutolo and the two exchanged a high-five on another job well done before being the last two players to leave the field.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.