Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele died suddenly Wednesday at the age of 23 — just months after receiving her master’s degree from the university.
Daniele, who broke the Cal Poly indoor 200-meter record last year with a time of 24.69 seconds, competed for the Mustangs for five years between 2020 and 2024.
During her time at California Polytechnic State University, the talented sprinter earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023 before earning a master’s degree in June.
But just over three months later, the university announced that Daniele had tragically passed away.
“Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele,” the statement said.
Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele died Wednesday at the age of 23
“Shelby was an exceptional student-athlete on the Cal Poly track and field team for five years and graduated from Cal Poly with honors this spring with her master’s degree in agriculture.
“She was a six-time All-Big West honoree, two-time Big West champion, team captain and school record holder, but more importantly, she was an incredible teammate and leader. She cared deeply about those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model to many.
“Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by everyone in the Cal Poly community. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.”
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Daniele’s father, Daniel, shared a photo of him and his wife Kim proudly standing next to daughter Shelby after her graduation from Cal Poly on June 15.
In what turned out to be her final college race, the Mustangs sprinter finished 43rd with a wind-aided time of 23.65 at the NCAA West Preliminaries in Arkansas on May 23.
In addition to holding the record for the fastest indoor 200 meters at Cal Poly, Daniele also has the school’s second-fastest times ever in the indoor 60 meters (7.62 seconds) and the 100 meters (11.58 seconds).
Daniele, pictured with mom Kim and dad Daniel, only received her master’s degree in June
The Cal Poly sprinter holds the school record in the indoor 200 meters with a time of 24.69 seconds
She also worked on the family’s almond and walnut farm in California
The California native, who attended Buchanan High School before attending Cal Poly, also worked as a Field Assistant Manager alongside her family at Jalonen Ranches – the family’s almond and walnut farm in Caruthers.
Her family was scheduled to hold a candlelight memorial service for her Friday evening at Buchanan High School.
Daniele’s sister, Jessica Reichman, also paid tribute to her sister in a heartbreaking post after her death this week.
‘My worst nightmare happened this morning, September 25, 2024. My sister, my best friend, left earth to be with God. Too early and too fast and I will never understand why but she is where she needs to be now,” Jessica wrote on Instagram.
‘I so wish I could have lived the rest of our lives together, but things will be different now and we will get through it. You were the light of everyone’s lives and it’s hard to believe. I can’t talk to you anymore. I love you forever, girl.”