Kōshi Sugawara, a third-year Karasuno High student and volleyball team vice-captain, stands at 174.3 cm with light gray hair, hazel-brown eyes, and a distinctive mole beneath his left eye. His calming demeanor and gentle smile mask a sharp strategic mind. Initially the starting setter, he willingly stepped aside for prodigy Tobio Kageyama, channeling his competitive drive into mentoring roles to strengthen the team, despite privately wrestling with frustration over diminished playtime. Born in Miyagi Prefecture, he attended Nagamushi Junior High before joining Karasuno alongside childhood friends Daichi Sawamura and Asahi Azumane. The trio navigated early setbacks—coachless practices and scarce matches—by organizing extra drills to keep the team afloat. While peers retired to focus on studies, Sugawara persisted, devising hand signals and verbal cues to refine Kageyama and Hinata’s quick attack, while instilling teamwork values in the rookie setter. His playing style prioritizes precision and adaptability. Though his tosses lack Kageyama’s flair, they compensate by aligning precisely with spikers’ rhythms. Strategic float serves destabilize opponents, and his 299 cm jump reach aids defensive shifts, such as substituting as a blocker against Shiratorizawa. Academic diligence mirrors his on-court versatility. Off the court, Sugawara balances nurturing guidance with playful mischief, from covertly backing Hinata’s rogue training camp visit to bluntly scolding teammates. His interactions mix warm encouragement with tactical critiques, punctuated by lighthearted smacks to ease tensions. Post-graduation, he channels this mentorship into teaching elementary students in Miyagi. Central relationships include his steadfast partnership with Daichi and Asahi, whom he rallies during slumps, and his patient shaping of Kageyama into a cooperative leader. He bridges generational gaps, advising underclassmen and dissuading Daichi from quitting post-defeat. Spin-off narratives highlight his diplomatic outreach to rivals, emphasizing camaraderie above competition. Dubbed "Mr. Refreshing" and the "undying setter," Sugawara’s legacy lies in selfless strategy and resilience. His choices—sacrificing spotlight for team growth, blending tenacity with empathy—fuel Karasuno’s revival, cementing his role as the emotional anchor of their resurgence.