At the age of 23, Shelby Daniele, a talented track and field athlete, went suddenly on Wednesday. Shortly after she celebrated receiving a distinguished master’s degree in agriculture, the institution reported her death.
The cause of death has not been made public, but peers, coaches, and teammates have all been very saddened by Daniele’s passing.
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.
“Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community,” the Cal Poly Track and Field team wrote on Instagram to convey their sadness. She was a role model for many and had a great concern for people around her. The statement also emphasized her second-place finish in school history in the indoor 60- and 100-meter records.
Daniele’s performance at the 2024 Big West Championships was especially impressive; she finished second in the 200m event, solidifying her reputation as one of the best athletes in the program.
