Former Cal Poly track and field standout, Shelby Daniele has passed away. Cal Poly Athletics announced the unfortunate news. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and her untimely demise has left many reeling with shock and grief. Just months earlier she had earned her master's in agriculture from the California Polytechnic State University.
The athletics team announced her passing via a post on Instagram, noting that she was an exemplary student, and reflected on her accolades and accomplishments. The tribute was posted alongside a collage of the athlete, wherein she could be seen holding up an award for second place in women's track and field. Her alma mater, Buchanan High School, also posted a touching tribute for her.
Who was Shelby Daniele? Late track and field star was the proud owner of several accolades
Shelby Daniele was a student at Cal Poly, where she enrolled in 2019. By the spring of 2023, she earned her bachelor's degree in agriculture, and in 2024, she earned a master's with distinction. Her tenure as an athlete for the school spanned five years, during which time she nabbed several accolades and broke numerous records.
She boasted the school record in the women’s indoor 200-meter (24.69), the #2 time in the women’s indoor 60-meter (7.62), and tied with someone for the #2 in the women’s 100-meter (11.59). She was also a six-time All-Big West honoree and two-time Big West champion and had a major role in the Mustang women bagging their second win in the 2024 Big West Track & Field Championships.
According to the Instagram tribute posted by her team at Cal Poly, the athlete's high school track record was just as impressive, as she won the 2019 CIF State championship in the 200m for Buchanan High School of Clovis, CA, and championships in the event at the Tri-River Athletic Conference and Central Section.
Shelby Daniele's alma mater posts tribute to honor the late athlete's memory
On Thursday, September 26, Cal Poly Athletics posted a statement on Instagram to reflect on Shelby Daniele's passing:
"Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele. Shelby was an exceptional student-athlete on the Cal Poly track and field team for five years ... more importantly she was an incredible teammate and leader."
The statement continued, noting that she was empathetic and unlike any other:
"She cared deeply for those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model for so many. Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community. Our condolences go out to her family and friends."
Her alma mater, Buchanan High School, took to Facebook to share a tribute:
“No one will ever forget that day in May of 2019 when Shelby upset the field at the CA State Meet to win the 200 meter individual title, helping to secure the team win with her girls! Shelby was a fantastic athlete, going on to Cal Poly to continue to break records in track, but she will be remembered by her teammates and coaches as an even more amazing person. This loss leaves a gigantic hole in so many hearts, and we will never forget the amazing woman that Shelby was."
Shelby Daniele's friends and family, took to the comments section of both posts to pay their respects and honor the late track & field star. Comments poured in from all those who knew her, expressing their grief over her untimely demise.
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