Shoyo Hinata discovered volleyball after watching Karasuno High's "Small Giant" compete despite short stature, sparking his determination to excel. In middle school, he formed an improvised team but suffered a decisive loss to Tobio Kageyama's squad, cementing their rivalry. This defeat motivated him to enroll at Karasuno High, where he unexpectedly encountered Kageyama as a teammate. Initially standing at 162.8 cm, he faced frequent underestimation due to his height and was often mistaken for a younger student. His appearance featured bright orange hair and expressive brown eyes, typically dressed in Karasuno's black uniform with the number 10 jersey, mirroring the Small Giant's number. After high school, intensive beach volleyball training in Brazil contributed to physical growth, reaching 172 cm with a leaner, muscular build. Hinata exhibited energetic enthusiasm and emotional expressiveness, easily forming bonds with reserved individuals like Kenma Kozume and Hitoka Yachi. Despite academic challenges and initially poor test scores, he diligently improved when motivated, such as studying to attend training camps. On the court, he displayed tenacity and observational skills, compensating for limited experience with athleticism and vertical jump ability. Early match nervousness caused stomach issues, though this diminished over time. His persistence manifested in statements like "We haven't lost yet," sometimes unnerving opponents with unexpected intensity. Another defining moment occurred when he declared, "I’m Hinata Shouyou, and I sprouted from the concrete," asserting resilience against criticism. His development included recognizing limitations during an uninvited training camp appearance, accepting ball-boy duties after being told he relied excessively on Kageyama. This spurred efforts to diversify skills beyond their quick attack, including refining receives and blocks. Overexertion led to collapse during a national tournament match due to fever, highlighting consequences of neglecting health. Post-graduation, he moved to Brazil for solo beach volleyball training, enhancing adaptability and ball control before joining MSBY Black Jackals in Japan's V-League. He later competed for Asas São Paulo in Brazil's Super League and represented Japan in the 2021 Olympics, fulfilling professional aspirations. Throughout his progression, interactions with rivals and teammates continually shaped his approach, transitioning from raw athleticism to technical proficiency while maintaining persistent optimism.