On National Daughters Day, Brandenburg paid tribute to his daughters, Tori and Eva, highlighting the influence of former Cal Poly track star Shelby Daniele on Eva’s decision to join the university’s track team. He described Daniele as the “driving force” behind Eva’s choice.
Shelby Daniele tragically passed away on September 25 at just 23 years old. According to the Mayo Clinic, a brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that can become life-threatening if it ruptures, though the cause of Daniele’s death was not disclosed.
Daniele was a standout athlete at Cal Poly, setting the school’s indoor 200m record last year with a time of 24.69 seconds. She competed for the Mustangs from 2020 to 2024, serving as team captain, earning six All-Big West honors, and winning two Big West championships.
Beyond athletics, Daniele graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023 and completed her master’s degree this June. She also worked on her family’s almond and walnut farm in Caruthers as a Field Assistant Manager.
Cal Poly’s athletic department expressed deep sorrow over her passing, remembering her for her “remarkable heart and spirit.” They praised her leadership, dedication, and the positive impact she had on teammates and the community.
The university offered condolences to Daniele’s family and friends, emphasizing that she was “truly one of a kind” and will be dearly missed by the entire Cal Poly community.
Rest in peace, Shelby Daniele.