Girls volleyball: Black River's Remington Dieter keeps breaking records

Black River senior Remington Dieter already owns the Medina County record for career serve receptions. The standout libero also is on pace to break the local mark for digs by late September. Another number on her résumé, though, might be just as impressive. "I went on 27 college visits in 15 months between my freshman and sophomore years," she said. "I didn't know what kind of campus I wanted to be on, so Mom gave me a whole list of schools to look at. I think we saw them all." Ultimately, Dieter chose the University of Mount Union, where she will continue her volleyball career at the Division III level while pursuing a degree in education. The Purple Raiders claimed the recruiting battle over several other Ohio Athletic Conference programs. The formal request from Mount Union coach Melissa Mahnke-Morrison to join the team was "everything I wanted and everything I dreamed about," but Dieter said it was surreal to receive. "I asked her, 'Is this an offer?' and she said, 'Yeah, that is an offer, if you want to take it,'" a laughing Dieter said. "When we started the process, I was just hoping that some schools would respond to my messages, so I didn't know how to react when she texted me." Making that important decision before beginning her final year with the Pirates was ideal, given the myriad activities she takes part in on a daily basis. In addition to being the reigning OHSVCA D-VI district player of the year in her favorite sport, Dieter is an All-Lorain County League softball player in the spring — and she competes at the club level in both endeavors. Admirers can also watch her in the Black River marching band, playing the piccolo and as a flutist in its concert band. And let's not forget her membership in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and National Honor Society. "I love being on the go, having so many responsibilities," she said. "I enjoy it much more than just having a day to relax at home, though I love spending time with my family. Without the support of my family and friends, I wouldn't be able to achieve any of this." Volleyball is truly a family affair with the Dieters as "Mom" is also known as Courtney, the winningest coach in school history. Twin Kate joins her in anchoring the back row for the Pirates, while younger sister Jenevieve sits atop the county leaders in kills. Black River is off to a terrific 7-2 start, fueled by Remington ranking first in the area by large amounts in digs and serves received and second in serve percentage. "You don't want to put too much pressure on any of your players, but Remington really can't have an off night if we're going to be successful," Courtney Dieter said. "She has to start the offense and be the rock defensively." Two upcoming milestones have only made her work harder toward the Pirates' goal of winning the LCL and making a lengthy D-VI tournament run next month. Dieter needs 27 receptions to reach 2,000 in her four-year career and currently has 1,371 digs, just 155 shy of tying the county all-time mark of 1,526 by Brunswick's Emerson Futchko. "I am very excited about those records, but they would mean much more because they tie into the success of our whole team," she said. "The trust they have in me to make the right plays and get the passes where they need to be is something I take a lot of pride in." Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on X.