Feb. 10, 2025
Darwin Peters II is a devoted community leader, coach and educator whose unwavering commitment to youth in Lakewood has a profound impact.
After honorably discharging from the U.S. Army in 2014, Peters II returned to Lakewood with a renewed purpose: to give back to the city he calls home. Recognizing the need for strong, positive role models for youth, he began coaching. His drive was to become the mentor he had longed for during his adolescence. His mission is to be a transparent, caring and inspiring presence who helps young people not only reach their potential, but uncover hidden talents, skills and abilities they didn’t know they had.
Peters II is the founder and head coach of Smooth Transitions Track Club, an organization dedicated to cultivating character, teamwork and resilience alongside athletic excellence. He also serves as the head coach for Girls Track & Field at Clover Park High School, an instructor at Clover Park Technical College, and works at Harrison Preparatory School leading the Restorative Room, a space dedicated to student growth and emotional regulation.
Shartrice Peters is a dedicated community leader, coach and mentor with over 20 years of coaching experience. As the head coach and co-founder of Smooth Transitions Track Club alongside her husband Peters II, she is passionate about helping young athletes excel both on and off the track.
Known as “Coach Trice” or “Auntie Trice,” she believes every child has greatness within them, waiting for the right environment to shine.
Peters’ coaching career spans multiple sports, including gymnastics, cheerleading and track and field. She specializes in working with athletes as young as four years old, helping them grow both physically and mentally through her mantra: “I can do hard things.” As an accomplished athlete, Peters competed in basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, and cheer, earning varsity letters and serving as captain of her award-winning all-star cheer squad.
Her commitment to mentoring youth and fostering personal growth continues to make a lasting impact on the Lakewood community.