Shelby Daniele, a former star at both Cal Poly and Buchanan High, has passed away unexpectedly at just 23 years old. Her death came only months after she had proudly earned her master’s degree in agriculture. The news of her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and the athletic communities of her college and former high school in Fresno, California, heartbroken.
Shelby was celebrated for her record-breaking talent in track and field, her academic excellence, and her kind, generous spirit.
When people heard the devastating news, those who knew Shelby best—her family and friends from her hometown—spoke out to remember the incredible person she was.
On September 26, 2024, Cal Poly Track and Field shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to announce Shelby’s death. The post expressed the team’s deep sadness and honored Shelby’s many contributions. It highlighted how she spent five years as a dedicated athlete at the university, excelling both in sports and academics.
Shelby had also been a captain, showing leadership both on and off the field. The post said, “Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community.”
Buchanan High School, where Shelby first became known for her athletic brilliance, also shared their sorrow on Facebook. The school remembered her extraordinary performance at the 2019 California State Meet, where she not only won the 200-meter title but also helped lead her team to win the overall championship. They described her as a warm and generous person who never stopped supporting the track and field program, even after she graduated.
Shelby’s high school track coach, Brian Weaver, had nothing but admiration for her. “She was everything you want a young athlete to be,” he said. He fondly recalled how Shelby led her team to championships and never stopped pushing herself to become better, both as an athlete and as a person.
Coach Weaver also shared a special memory from the 2019 state championships. He remembered how Shelby came up to him after a long weekend of races, exhausted and sore, but still pushing through like the champion she was.
Shelby’s passing has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her, and she will be remembered not only for her athletic achievements but for the amazing person she was. Her family, friends, and the entire community mourn her loss and celebrate the legacy she left behind.
Feel free to share your thoughts and memories of Shelby in the comments below.
