Counselors and staff at Linfield are meeting with students and faculty after learning that freshman Chelsea Peterson died early Sunday morning in a single car accident near Newberg, Ore.

Peterson, a nursing major, was a member of the Wildcat women's basketball team. She lettered eight times in basketball, volleyball and track at Hockinson (Wash.) High School. She was also a four-year basketball team captain and two-time first team all-Trico League center at Hockinson. She was a forward and center on the Wildcat team.

"She was a young lady with great spirit and determination," said Linfield coach Robyn Stewart. "She always had a smile on her face and was encouraging and positive to her teammates. She had a bright future as a basketball player."

The women's basketball team will honor Peterson at their home opener this Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. against Oregon Institute of Technology and will dedicate the 2006-07 season to her.

"She was one of those kids who you'd want your own kids to grow up to be. Great student, great athlete, responsible kid, incredibly friendly, charismatic, very respectful," Dan Tilkin, of Hockinson, told The Columbian of Clark County, Wash. "She went by the name Petey, which shows how much people loved her."

Peterson, alone in a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, was headed southbound on Highway 99W when it apparently left the road and struck a pole about 3:45 a.m., said Julie Carrasco, public information officer� for the Newberg-Dundee Police Department.

The accident is under investigation, Carrasco told the newspaper. Alcohol did not appear to be a factor and Peterson was wearing her seat belt, she added.

Counselors from the counseling center, chaplain's office and student services have been meeting with students, faculty and staff since college officials received word of the accident, according to Dave Hansen, vice president for student services and dean of students.

"In a short time, she made some significant connections and contributions at Linfield College," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chelsea's family, teammates, coaches, hall mates and friends.

"Our primary concern is to make sure that the campus community has the support it needs to deal with this tragedy," Hansen said. "Staff and counselors met with coaches and members of the basketball team, the sorority and her residence hall to provide any assistance that is needed."

In addition, counselors will be available to anyone in the college community in the coming days and weeks, he added. College officials are providing the family with any assistance they request.

Hansen said that a memorial service will probably be held on campus, but that will depend upon the wishes of Peterson's family.