Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele has passed away, as confirmed by Cal Poly Athletics. No cause of death has been released.
Daniele, who earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in spring 2023 and her master’s in agriculture in spring 2024, was a standout athlete during her five-year career with the Mustangs. She set several records for the program, including the school record in the women’s indoor 200-meter (24.69), the second-fastest time in the women’s indoor 60-meter (7.62), and tied for the second-best time in the women’s 100-meter (11.59).
FA six-time All-Big West honoree and two-time Big West champion, Daniele was a pivotal part of Cal Poly’s success, helping the women’s team win their second conference title at the 2024 Big West Track & Field Championships by finishing second in the 200 meters.
Her excellence extended back to high school, where she claimed the 2019 CIF State championship in the 200 meters for Buchanan High School in Clovis, CA, clocking an impressive 23.73 seconds. She also earned titles at the Tri-River Athletic Conference (24.18) and Central Section (24.36) championships.
Buchanan High School’s track and field team honored Daniele with a heartfelt Facebook post, remembering her not only for her athletic achievements but also for her character. “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,” the post read. “This loss leaves a gigantic hole in so many hearts.”
Cal Poly’s Track and Field/Cross Country team also paid tribute to Daniele on Instagram, describing her as someone with a “remarkable heart” who “cared deeply for those around her” and was a “role model for so many.”