Jackson’s Sam Mutolo, shown here at Majestic Lanes in Lynnwood on Monday, has made herself into a state-caliber bowler despite being completely self-taught. Mutolo is also a standout softball player for the Timberwolves. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Jackson’s Sam Mutolo, shown here at Majestic Lanes in Lynnwood on Monday, has made herself into a state-caliber bowler despite being completely self-taught. Mutolo is also a standout softball player for the Timberwolves. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Q&A with Jackson’s Sam Mutolo

When Jackson senior Sam Mutolo became interested in bowling three years ago, she went all-in.

“She’s self-taught,” Timberwolves coach Dan Eng said. “She watched videos and found a style she liked. She watched guys bowl at (local) league matches. From there, she just started practicing. She bought a pass to bowl on the weekend and the lanes manager told me she’d bowl up to 20 games at a time. She dedicated herself to bowling 1,000 percent.”

Mutolo qualified for the Class 4A state meet last year and hopes to lead Jackson to a team berth this winter. She’s also a standout softball player, who last Wednesday signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Western Washington University.

The Herald recently spoke to Mutolo about bowling, softball and her other interests:

What do you like about bowling?

I actually used to hate bowling. I never wanted to join my friends when they wanted to go. But I started to view it as an actual sport. I watched it on television, and I realized that there’s a lot to it rather than just throwing a ball down a lane. It’s a lot more complicated. Now I like bowling a lot.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your athletic career?

Well, I don’t like traveling. My select softball team (Bellevue Blast) is always traveling, and I just hate it — getting to the airport, staying in a hotel, not being able to go home. I like my routines.

Why did you choose to attend Western Washington University?

I wanted to stay in-state, and I like Bellingham. I went to a (softball) camp up there and I had a lot of fun.

What would you like to study in college?

I want to be a high school math teacher. The pre-calculus class that I’m taking now is one of my favorite classes. I like math, it’s like trying to solve a puzzle, you’re trying to find that one number (to arrive at the solution).

You grew up in Arizona before moving to Washington when you were 14. How has that transition been for you?

I definitely like Washington way more than Arizona. You can actually go outside here and not die in 115-degree heat. And I like the rain. It doesn’t bother me, so (the weather) is fine.

When you’re not playing softball, bowling or in school, what are you likely to be doing?

I like to crochet. I’ve been doing it for about three years. (What I work on) depends on my mood. Sometimes I want to make something in one night, so I spend an hour working on headbands or something. Other times I’ll spend a week or two making a blanket, and I just won’t stop. I’ll crochet for four hours straight, get halfway done, then come back later and put in another four hours.

How would you describe your personality?

I like to stay busy. I don’t like not having anything to do. Usually when I jump into something new, after about a month I’ll (decide) I really like it or I’ll stop doing it. If I like something, I’ll (dive in) 100 percent.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, top right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly ball during the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (Justin Casterline / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Yankees walk off Mariners on Judge’s sac fly for series sweep

Seattle blows 5-0 lead after Bryan Woo takes no-hitter into eighth inning.

Raleigh says Munoz tipped pitches during Yankees’ comeback

The Yankees had a bead on Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. That’s… Continue reading

Midfielder Christian Soto dribbles up field during Snohomish United's 5-1 win against the Tacoma Stars at Stockers Fields on July 9, 2025 (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish United keeps playoff hopes alive in home finale

With 5-1 win against Tacoma, the USL2 club’s focus on local talent keys success in inaugural season.

Silvertips forward Carter Bear fields questions after the Detroit Red Wings selected him 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy Natalie Shaver / CHL)
Two weeks after Draft, Silvertips’ Bear still can’t believe it

The Red Wings’ first-rounder reflects on draft night and his experience at Detroit’s development camp.

AquaSox down Devils for consecutive wins

The AquaSox were on a 2-10 stretch coming into the series.

Cam Schlittler’s strong debut freezes Mariners

The Mariners fell to the Yankees, 9-6, on Wednesday night.

Storm flies too close to the Sun, loses in an upset

Connecticut snapped a 10-game losing streak to beat Seattle 93-83 on Wednesday morning.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in New York. (Evan Bernstein / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Raleigh, Judge heat up homer race at Yankee Stadium

In the battle of baseball’s biggest sluggers, Aaron Judge… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks linebackers Derick Hall (58) and Boye Mafe (53) celebrate a defensive play during the 2024 season. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images / The Athletic)
Season to reveal long-term plans for Seahawks linebackers

The Seattle Seahawks selected edge rusher Boye Mafe with… Continue reading

Silvertips defenseman wins U20 Ball Hockey World Title with Canada

Rylan Pearce helps Canada win gold at the ISBHF U20 World Championships in Slovakia.

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.