Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 15, 2024 7:51 am GMT
In a heartbreaking loss for the Cal Poly community, former standout track-and-field athlete Shelby Daniele has passed away at the age of 23. Just months after celebrating her master’s degree in agriculture, her unexpected death has left friends, family, and teammates grappling with sorrow and disbelief.
Celebrated Athlete and Leader
Daniele earned widespread recognition during her time at California Polytechnic State University. She joined the Mustangs in 2020 and made a profound impact over her five years with the team.
- She was a six-time All-Big West honoree
- Won the Big West championship twice
- Served as a team captain
Daniele holds the school record for the fastest indoor 200 meters with a time of 24.69 seconds. Additionally, she ranks second all-time at Cal Poly in the indoor 60 meters and 100 meters.
Her accomplishments included finishing second in the 200-meter race at the 2024 Big West Championships and competing in various other prestigious events. In her final collegiate race, Daniele marked an impressive wind-aided time of 23.65 seconds at the NCAA West Preliminaries in Arkansas on May 23.
A Bright Academic Future
Beyond her accolades on the track, Daniele was an accomplished student. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023, graduating with distinction. Just months before her passing, she celebrated receiving her master’s degree in agriculture from Cal Poly. A photograph from the graduation ceremony shows her beaming with pride alongside her parents.
“Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele,” the university’s Track and Field team expressed on Instagram. They highlighted her role as “an incredible teammate and leader” who deeply cared for those around her.
A Legacy of Compassion and Competitiveness
Daniele was known not only for her athletic prowess but also for her warmth and joy. Teammates and coaches alike have spoken highly of her character.
“She was an extremely, extremely fierce competitor but had so much love and joy for every person that she was around,” said her high school coach, reflecting on Daniele’s dual nature as both a competitor and a friend.
A Personal Loss
The tragedy has deeply affected her family, particularly her sister, Jessica Reichman, who shared her grief on social media. “My worst nightmare happened this morning, September 25, 2024. My sister, my best friend left Earth to be with God,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram tribute. Jessica expressed her heartbreak over losing someone she considered a light in her life, lamenting, “I can’t talk to you anymore. I love you forever baby girl.”
As a tribute to Daniele, her family held a candlelight memorial service at Buchanan High School, where friends and community members gathered to honor her memory.
Building a Career in Agriculture
Outside of athletics, Daniele was deeply committed to her work in agriculture. According to her LinkedIn profile, she served as a Field Assistant Manager at Jalonen Ranches, a family-owned almond and walnut farm in Caruthers, California. Daniele was determined to make a positive impact on the environment and give back to society through her career path.
Her passion for agriculture reflected her commitment to improving the world around her, making her loss feel even more profound to those who knew her vision.
Community Support and Remembrance
The Cal Poly community has come together to remember Daniele through tributes and support for her family. Many have shared their memories of her, offering words of comfort during this difficult time.
Daniele’s remarkable journey from a promising high school athlete to a celebrated collegiate star and a dedicated individual has left an indelible mark. Whether through her accomplishments on the track or her contributions to the agriculture field, she will be remembered as a talented and loving individual.
As friends and family continue to navigate their loss, they have chosen to celebrate Daniele’s life and the impact she had on those around her. Amid the grief, there is a strong sense of community, reminding everyone of the joyous spirit that Daniele brought to their lives.
For those wishing to pay their respects, local tributes and updates can be found on the Cal Poly athletics website or through community social media channels.
Every time we remember Shelby Daniele, her light shines even brighter in the hearts of everyone who loved her.
