Shelby Daniele, a standout track and field athlete, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 23. The university announced her death just months after she celebrated earning her master’s degree in agriculture with distinction.
Although a cause of death has not been disclosed, the impact of Daniele’s passing has been felt deeply among her teammates, coaches, and peers.A gifted athlete, Daniele was a vital part of the Mustangs track and field team from 2020 to 2024, earning numerous accolades throughout her career.
According to the New York Post, Daniele earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023. Over her five years with the team, she distinguished herself as a six-time All-Big West honoree and a two-time Big West champion. Her leadership skills shone through as she served as team captain and held the record for the fastest indoor 200m at 24.69 seconds, a remarkable achievement in the program’s history.
The Cal Poly Track and Field team expressed their sorrow on Instagram, “Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community. She cared deeply for those around her and was a role model for so many.” The statement also highlighted her record-setting times in the indoor 60m and 100m, where she ranks second all-time in school history.
Daniele’s performance was particularly noteworthy at the 2024 Big West Championships, where she placed second in the 200m event, further cementing her legacy as one of the program’s top athletes.