EX-TRACK and field star Shelby Daniele was seen beaming with pride at her master’s graduation ceremony – just months before her sudden death.
News of former student athlete’s death was announced in a heartbreaking post by the university’s athletics team on Thursday.
Former track and field star Shelby Daniele seen at her master’s graduation ceremony[/caption]
The university shared snaps of Shelby competing in events[/caption]
Shelby, of Clovis, California – a city six miles from Fresno – was an esteemed athlete during her time at California Polytechnic State University.
She was a school record holder in the indoor women’s 200-meter sprint, tied number two all-time in the women’s indoor 60 meters, and tied number two all-time in the women’s 100 event.
Shelby chose to study at the university because she felt it would allow her to grow in academics and athletics, per her athlete profile.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023 before graduating with a master’s degree in agriculture a year later.
Her dad Daniel Daniele shared a touching picture from his daughter’s graduation ceremony in June.
“Congratulations to my daughter Shelby Daniele for graduating with her master’s degree from Cal Poly,” the post said.
Shelby, in the middle of the image, sported a yellow outfit.
She wore green and white graduation regalia and a double orchid purple lei.
Shelby, 23, also wore a kukui nut lei necklace made out of shells painted in the colors of California Polytechnic.
A kukui nut lei has links to enlightenment and protection, according to Hawaiian culture.
There has been an outpouring of grief from teammates after Shelby’s death was announced.
Her cause of death remains unknown.
The Cal Poly athletics team described Shelby as an exceptional student-athlete.
She was a team captain and a two-time Big West champion.
“She cared deeply for those around her, had a remarkable heart, and was a role model for so many,” the statement continued.
The death of Shelby Daniele
The track and field team at California Polytechnic University shared a statement following the death of ex-student athele Shelby Daniele.
“Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele.
“Shelby was an exceptional student-athlete on the Cal Poly track and field team for five years, graduating from Cal Poly this spring with her master’s in agriculture with distinction.
“She was a six-time All-Big West honoree, a two-time Big West champion, a team captain and is a school record holder, 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.
“Our condolences go out to her family and friends.”
Source: Instagram
The athletics team described her as one of a kind.
There has been an outpouring of grief from her former teammates and friends.
In a Facebook post, Alissyn Mendenhall, a friend, said Shelby had lived her fullest life for 23 years.
“So blessed to have cheered alongside Shelby for 5 years, memories I’ll cherish forever,” she said.
Sierra Brill, part of the coaching staff on the University of San Francisco track and field programs, described Shelby as an “amazing teammate” and a “gracious competitor.”
Brill was part of a championship-winning team at California Polytechnic.
Mason Elefant, an alumnus of the university, said he was truly blessed to be a teammate.
Sportsperson Alyssa Antolin described Shelby as a beautiful soul.
