Shelby Daniele, a talented athlete from Cal Poly and Buchanan High, passed away unexpectedly at just 23 years old. This tragic news came only a few months after she had proudly earned her master’s degree in agriculture. Shelby’s sudden death shocked her family, friends, and the athletic communities at both her college and high school in Fresno, California.
She was known not only for breaking records in track and field but also for her academic excellence and kind heart.
When people heard the heartbreaking news, those who knew her spoke out to honor her memory.
On September 26, 2024, the Cal Poly Track and Field team announced Shelby’s passing through an emotional Instagram post. In their tribute, they shared their sorrow and celebrated everything she had contributed to the team. The post highlighted Shelby’s five years as a star athlete at the university, where she not only excelled on the track but also shone in the classroom.
She had been a team captain, leading by example both in her sport and in her studies. The statement read, “Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community.”
Shelby’s journey to greatness began at Buchanan High School, where she was first recognized for her outstanding track performances. The school also shared their grief in a heartfelt Facebook post, recalling her incredible accomplishments. One of the moments that stood out was the 2019 California State Meet, where Shelby won the 200-meter race and helped her team secure a championship.
But beyond her athletic skills, the school remembered her as a generous and kind person who continued to support the track program even after she graduated.
Her high school track coach, Brian Weaver, had nothing but praise for Shelby. He said, “Shelby was everything you want a young athlete to be.” He fondly remembered how she always led her team to victory and constantly pushed herself to be better, not just as an athlete but as a person. Coach Weaver shared a special memory from the 2019 state championships.
After a long and tough weekend of racing, Shelby came up to him, tired and sore, and said, “Coach, I’m exhausted, but I’ll keep pushing for the team.”
Shelby’s unexpected passing has left a huge void in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be remembered not only for her amazing achievements on the track but also for her caring spirit and dedication to her community. The loss of such a bright and kind person is deeply felt, but her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
If you’d like to share your thoughts or memories of Shelby, feel free to leave a comment.
