Yasufumi Nekomata, a 68-year-old man with gray hair and a composed presence, commands the sidelines as the steadfast coach of Nekoma High School’s volleyball team, frequently clad in his signature red jacket and pants. His coaching ethos champions defensive consistency, adaptability, and cultivating self-reliant players who excel under pressure, shaping Nekoma into a squad renowned for strategic ingenuity and unyielding resilience. A decades-long rivalry with Karasuno’s former coach, Ikkei Ukai, traces back to their middle school days. Though their teams never clashed nationally due to Nekomata’s relocation and retirement, he reignited this dormant contest upon returning to Nekoma, driving his players toward the elusive "Trashcan Showdown" at nationals—a dream forged in shared history. During matches and training, Nekomata favors observational guidance, empowering strategists like Kenma Kozume to steer plays while intervening with sharp insights during pivotal moments. He instills mental fortitude, whether pushing Lev Haiba to hone precision serves, steadying Shibayama’s nerves mid-game, or reimagining Inuoka’s role as a wing spiker to fortify Nekoma’s defensive wall. His playful rapport with Karasuno’s staff—notably teasing Keishin Ukai about his grandfather’s legacy—underscores a competitive spirit tempered by mutual respect. When Nekoma narrowly falls to Karasuno at nationals, he celebrates his team’s tenacity, framing the loss as proof of their growth. Years later, Nekomata remains entwined with volleyball’s legacy, appearing via video call with Ikkei during an international match and attending an All-Star reunion. His influence endures through proteges like Kenma and Kuroo, who carry forward his philosophy of joyful perseverance, and in Nekoma’s identity as a bastion of defensive cohesion.