Shelby Daniele, a former standout at Cal Poly and Buchanan High, passed away unexpectedly at 23, just months after earning her master’s degree in agriculture.Shelby Daniele’s sudden death shocked her family, friends, and the athletic communities of her college and her former high school in Fresno, California.
She was known for her record-breaking performances in track and field, her academic success, and her good heart. Upon hearing the news,
people from her hometown and her family have spoken out.On September 26, 2024, Cal Poly Track and Field announced Shelby’s death day via an Instagram post, expressing their sorrow and paying tribute to her contributions to the teamThe post highlighted her five years as an athlete at the university, her educational achievements, and her leadership as a captain.
“Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community,” the statement read.Similarly, Buchanan High School, where Shelby first gained recognition as a track star, shared its grief on Facebook. They recalled her remarkable performance at the 2019 California State Meet, where she won the 200-meter title and helped secure a team championship. The school also remembered her as a warm and generous person who continued to support the program even after her graduation.
Shelby’s high school track coach, Brian Weaver, described her as “everything you want a young athlete to be.”He fondly recalled how Shelby led her team to championships and continuously improved as an athlete and a person. He shared a memory from the 2019 state championships, where Shelby told him she was tired and sore after a long weekend of races.
