Our first contact with Shelton was at a prestigious private school by the name of New Roads in Santa Monica, Ca in 2017. Shelton was part of the faculty and served as a dean interacting with the students specializing in student life and conflict resolution. It is our understanding that Shelton had been at The New Roads School 15 years prior to us meeting. From our first interaction with Shelton, we immediately felt his warmth and sincerity, & knew he was of high character. Furthermore, he was also Coach Shelton! He coached the men’s basketball team for many seasons, leading and galvanizing young athletes to excellence. He was giving of his time and especially felt a sense of duty in mentoring young men and women of color. Our greatest achievement is our son, which is something that we can all relate to. To have a spiritual being that you trust at a school where you send your son or daughter to for the day is unmeasurable in dollars and cents, and is truly a gift. Shelton was that gift. In today’s environment of supposed trusted school professionals, you come across so many hidden agendas. To find a God fearing, old school person such as Shelton, you are in the midst of being blessed by Jah. Then at that point, it is up to you to recognize as we did.

My Name is Candice Rosales, and I’ve known Shelton as a coach, teacher and mentor for more than 15 years.  I have witnessed up close his incredible ability to inspire, motivate and lead young people to be the best versions of themselves not just physically and athletically, but in terms of their character, confidence and integrity.   During the most challenging period of adolescence, a summer that looked like it was going to be filled with video games and boredom became a period of complete transformation when my son started going to camp with Shelton.   He and his friends traded sleeping in for runs to the beach, calisthenics, kickboxing, ocean swimming, martial arts…and his favorite, climbing the dunes in Malibu.  This group of kids came together and inspired one another, made memories and got strong and fit – I can’t imagine anyone but Shelton making this possible.  It was the first of many summers at SharpeSkills Camp – a formative experience for my family.

Alumni parent:  Cristian (’15), Eva (’16), Lucas (’19) and Ynes (’22) New Roads School

Director of Development

I’m Maisie Li Lovett, a Psychology major at Hollins University, and I’ve known Shelton Sharpe for a decade, starting as his student at age 12. Our relationship deepened as he became my basketball coach and later, my trainer at SharpeSkills summer camp. SharpeSkills has radically shifted my view of my own potential, challenging me to surpass my limits and aspire for greatness. Shelton champions the empowerment of women, fostering strength, confidence, and self-acceptance. He has been instrumental in unlocking my potential and accelerating my mental and physical growth, making fitness a fulfilling and empowering aspect of my life.

My name is Martin Freeman, a 23-year-old bartender from Los Angeles with a background in Computer Science and Business. I met Coach Shelton in the sixth grade; he’s been a pivotal figure in my life for 11 years. SharpeSkills was a revelation, transforming my relationship with physical activity and teaching me the joy of pushing my boundaries. Shelton dispelled my misconceptions about exercise, introducing me to the effectiveness of body-weight workouts and the concept of creating a gym wherever I am. His lessons in hard work, resilience, and creativity transcended fitness, imparting valuable life skills that enhance my daily life and personal growth.

As the Director of Community Engagement at New Roads School, I’ve known Shelton Sharpe for a decade. Shelton is among the most dedicated and passionate professionals I’ve encountered, committed to enriching lives through innovative wellness initiatives. He excels in connecting with individuals of all ages, offering support that is both nurturing and challenging. I wholeheartedly endorse Shelton and SharpeSkills for anyone looking to improve their physical and mental well-being.