Former Cal Poly track and field standout Shelby Daniele died, according to Cal Poly Athletics. No cause of death was provided.
Daniele earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in the spring of 2023 and continued her pursuit of education at Cal Poly, where she earned her master’s in agriculture in spring 2024.
A five-year athlete with Cal Poly, Daniele broke many program records during her career.
The sprinter holds the school record in the women’s indoor 200-meter (24.69), the No. 2 time in the women’s indoor 60-meter (7.62) and tied No.2 in the women’s 100-meter (11.59).
Daniele is a six-time All-Big West honoree and two-time Big West champion and captured second in the 200 to help the Mustang women win their second conference title in the 2024 Big West Track & Field Championships.
Daniele earned many accolades during her high school career as well. With a time of 23.73 seconds, she won the 2019 CIF State championship in the 200m for Buchanan High School of Clovis, CA. She also won championships in the event at the Tri-River Athletic Conference (24.18) and Central Section (24.36).
Buchanan High School’s track and field team paid their respects in a Facebook post dedicated to Daniele.
“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.”
“As coaches, we will always appreciate the time she took to stop by the track when she was back in town to say hi to everyone. This loss leaves a gigantic hole in so many hearts, and we will never forget the amazing woman that Shelby was.”
Cal Poly Track and Field/Cross country also mourned Daniele in an Instagram post.
“She cared deeply for those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model for so many.”