Shelby Daniele, a former standout track and field athlete from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), tragically passed away in September 2024 at the young age of 23. Her passing has left a deep impact on her community, with tributes pouring in from her alma maters, teammates, and those who knew her.
Daniele was a highly accomplished sprinter during her time at Cal Poly, where she made her mark as a six-time All-Big West honoree and two-time Big West champion. She also held several school records, including the indoor 200 meters (24.69 seconds) and ranked among the top three in other sprint events like the outdoor 100 meters (11.58 seconds) and 200 meters (23.57 seconds). Beyond her athletic prowess, she was admired for her leadership and the deep care she showed for her teammates. As a team captain, Daniele left a lasting legacy not only on the track but in the hearts of her peers.
Having graduated in the spring of 2024 with a master’s degree in agriculture with distinction, Daniele was remembered as both an outstanding student and athlete. Her death was announced by Cal Poly’s athletics department in late September, with heartfelt tributes acknowledging her remarkable achievements and character. Buchanan High School, where she first emerged as a sprinting star, also paid tribute to her, highlighting a key moment in 2019 when she won the California State Meet 200-meter title, helping secure her team’s victory.
The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed. However, the tributes from her schools and community focus on celebrating her life and the positive impact she made on those around her. She is remembered for her kindness, work ethic, and dedication to her sport, and her passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of many.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of support for her family and friends, with former teammates and coaches expressing their grief and admiration for the person she was. Both Cal Poly and Buchanan High School held memorials in her honor, demonstrating how deeply her life touched those around her