The athletic community is mourning the loss of Shelby Daniele, a former track and field standout from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). Daniele, aged 23, passed away on September 25, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievement and personal warmth.
News of her death was initially shared by Brian Brandenburg, a family friend, on Facebook. Brandenburg, identifying himself as the father of one of Daniele’s friends, revealed the heartbreaking cause of death: a brain aneurysm. “The young lady that was the driving force in Eva’s decision to run Track at Cal Poly, Shelby Daniele, passed away last night of a brain aneurysm. Completely heartbreaking,” Brandenburg wrote in his Facebook post. This sudden and tragic event has left many in shock and remembrance, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes for the young athlete.
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Shelby Daniele, remembered as a remarkable athlete and kind individual.
Cal Poly Track and Field Team Remembers Shelby Daniele
Daniele’s former team at Cal Poly publicly acknowledged her passing on Instagram on Thursday, September 26. Their tribute highlighted not only her athletic prowess but also her character. They described Daniele as an “amazing person” and “everything you want an athlete to be,” emphasizing the profound impact she had on those around her. The team’s message resonated deeply within the Cal Poly community and beyond, underscoring the significant loss felt by many.
Memorial Service Honors Daniele’s Life and Achievements
On Friday, September 27, hundreds gathered at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Fresno, California, to celebrate Shelby Daniele’s life. The Fresno Bee reported that this location held special significance as it was where Daniele first showcased her athletic talents while competing for Buchanan High School’s track and field team. The memorial service became a testament to her widespread influence and the high regard in which she was held.
Speakers at the service fondly remembered Daniele’s impact. One speaker noted, “She made an impact on everybody’s lives,” and touchingly added, “She was one in a million,” as reported by the Fresno Bee. These heartfelt words capture the essence of how Daniele was perceived by her community – a truly exceptional individual who left a lasting impression.
Legacy of an Exceptional Student-Athlete
Shelby Daniele’s obituary further illuminated her character, portraying her as someone deeply devoted to others. It stated, “She put so much effort into everyone she knew and everything she did. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Shelby had nothing but good to say about her; she truly was the light in everyone’s life.” The obituary also affectionately described her as “a fiery, spunky, beautiful, smart and strong light,” capturing the vibrant spirit that defined her.
Her contributions to Cal Poly’s track and field program were substantial over her five years with the team. Daniele earned the distinction of being a “six-time All-Big West honoree” and a “two-time Big West champion.” She also held a school record and served as a team captain, showcasing her leadership both on and off the track.
Record-Breaking Performances
According to the Cal Poly website, Daniele’s athletic achievements are well-documented. She held the school record for the indoor 200 meter dash (24.69 seconds) and consistently ranked among the top athletes in other categories. She held the No. 2 all-time spot in the women’s indoor 60 meter (7.62 seconds), tied for No. 2 in the women’s 100 meter record (11.58 seconds), and ranked No. 3 all-time in the women’s outdoor 200 meter (23.57 seconds). These statistics underscore her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport.
Beyond her records, the Cal Poly track and field program emphasized her qualities as a teammate and leader. Their Instagram announcement stated, “But more importantly, she was an incredible teammate and leader. She cared deeply for those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model for so many. Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community.”
Shelby Daniele’s funeral was held on October 14 in Clovis, California, providing a final opportunity for those touched by her life to pay their respects. Her legacy as a talented athlete and cherished individual will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
