High school volleyball: Courtney Dieter triumphant in return as Black River coach

FAIRVIEW PARK — The winningest coach in Black River volleyball history was victorious in her return. Courtney Dieter officially began her third stint in charge of the Pirates — and her 21st season overall — with a 16-25, 25-22, 25-20, 29-27 non-league triumph at Fairview on Saturday afternoon. The 2000 Black River graduate previously piloted her alma mater from 2002-08 and 2011-23, but spent the past school year balancing her teaching job and serving as the district's extracurricular organizational coordinator. "I had an opportunity to step into a role within the athletics department last year because we had a good amount of administrative change, and there were a lot of people wearing a lot of different hats throughout the district," said Dieter, who ranks fourth all-time in Medina County with 176 victories. "But I love coaching and when the position opened up, I wanted to apply for it. I missed being out there." Assistant athletic director Steve Hustack coached the Pirates to a 13-10 record last season but became the principal at Black River Elementary this school year. He opted to temporarily retire from coaching while adjusting to the new position. Enter Dieter, whose three daughters are all on the squad and were eager to play for her. Senior twins Remington and Kate are back-row specialists and sophomore Jenevieve is an emerging outside hitter. "They're all very, very different personality wise," a laughing Courtney Dieter said. "But it's been a lot of fun coaching them and this entire group again." All-Gazette libero Remington is the reigning OHSVCA Division VI District Player of the Year and will continue her career at the University of Mount Union. Defensive specialist Kate has committed to join the volleyball team at Defiance College. Jenevieve racked up a team-high 12 kills, 12 service points, 11 digs and seven aces in the season-opening win over the Warriors, while senior middle hitter Maryn Biddle amassed 10 kills and 12 blocks, and senior setter Morgan Kubitz had 33 assists and 11 digs. Courtney Dieter also posted an impressive stat line in the match, joining Highland legend Jill Bouton (29 years) and current Brunswick coach Mande Luttner (21 years) as the only county bench bosses with more than 20 years. Bouton's 381 wins are the local record and Luttner is second with 298. Dieter is 14 victories behind former Wadsworth and Highland coach Jill Klingbeil for third place. "It was good. I was very calm during the match," Dieter said. "Even in the first set, we just had to get the jitters out on the road. It was a fun experience. I'm looking forward to many more of them." Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow @BrianDulik on X.