Shelby Daniele, a 23-year-old recent graduate of Cal Poly with a master’s degree in agriculture, excelled academically and athletically.
In the women’s indoor 60 metres, she finished second in 7.62 seconds and set the school record in the indoor 200 meters (24.69 seconds). Her greater aspirations in life mirrored her athletic skills, making her an important part of the Cal Poly Mustangs track team.
A fellow athlete’s father, Brian Brandenburg, fondly recalled her while positing about his daughters, Eva and Tori, on September 25, in observance of National Daughters Day. The post featured a treasured family photo and a snapshot from Eva’s Instagram story, along with a photo of and a touching tribute to their friend, Daniele.
Daniele, a gifted person who decided to pursue a career in agriculture to help the environment, was fondly remembered by her friends’ father in his Facebook post.
He wrote: “In honor of National Daughters Day I get to scream from the rooftop. Tori and Eva have been a blessing in so many ways. They are both great young women. Loving, kind, thoughtful, smart and beautiful. But my joy is crushed tonight. The young lady who 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. This is Eva’s 3rd day of classes and practice. Hug your children every time you can and tell them you love them every day. Please say a prayer for Shelby and her family.”
Brain aneurysm, which claimed the young athlete’s life, can be fatal.
Mayo Clinic’s website says: “A brain aneurysm (AN-yoo-riz-um) — also known as a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm — is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. … Experts think brain aneurysms form and grow because blood flowing through the blood vessel puts pressure on a weak area of the vessel wall.”
The former coach of Shelby Daniele recalls her generosity.
Head coach of Buchanan High’s track and field programme, Brian Weaver, considered the sorrow felt around the country after losing a beloved sprinter who had grown to be an important part of their squad.
“They recall her,” he remarked, recognizing her influence. Over four years, Coach Weaver had the honor of seeing Daniele’s incredible development and was proud of all that she had accomplished. He spoke warmly of her perseverance and intense spirit of competition, recalling her historic 200-meter victory at the 101st Track and Field Championship in 2019.
After a demanding weekend of racing, Shelby Daniel’s fortitude was evident. Even though she eventually felt exhausted, her coach urged her to consider the obstacles she had surmounted to get there.
Daniele persevered and won the state championship with a newfound sense of resolve. Weaver calls this moment the pinnacle of a champion’s heart, and it is something she will always remember.