Lev Haiba, born October 30, 1996, in Japan to a half-Russian, half-Japanese heritage, was raised solely in Japan and speaks no Russian. His imposing height—194.3 cm as a first-year high schooler, growing to 196 cm by early 2013—coupled with long limbs, neatly parted light gray hair, and catlike green eyes from his Russian lineage creates an intimidating first impression that belies his true nature. Joining Nekoma High School in 2012 without prior volleyball experience, he starts the sport on the school team. His physical gifts, including a 345 cm jumping reach, secure him the starting middle blocker position despite his inexperience. He declares himself Nekoma's "ace," defining it solely as the team's top scorer regardless of position. Early critiques reveal weak fundamentals in serving and receiving, with teammate Kenma Kozume assessing his initial technique as inferior to Karasuno’s Shoyo Hinata. His personality blends childlike exuberance with unfiltered bluntness. He exhibits playful rivalry toward intriguing players like Hinata but often unintentionally offends others, such as commenting on teammate Morisuke Yaku's height. Confidence verging on arrogance follows successful plays, yet he remains coachable. On-court excitement occasionally triggers impulsive errors, noted by teammates. Training arcs spur significant growth. At his first camp, a "whip-like spike" using his reach to evade blockers ignites a rivalry with Hinata. Under captain Tetsurou Kuroo's guidance, he corrects flawed techniques like the "banzai block" and adopts read-blocking strategies. Initial synchronization issues with setter Kenma—due to erratic jumps and form—improve through relentless practice, including forced drills before a match against Kunihira High. A breakthrough comes when Kenma mimics tosses for Hinata, enabling Lev’s first synchronized powerful spike. Tokyo qualifiers test his progress. After underperforming against Fukurōdani with missed blocks and service errors, Kuroo mentors him on teamwork. Against Nohebi Academy, he counters taunts about his blocking and learns to restrict spike angles after libero Yaku injures himself saving Lev’s hit. This incident and exchanges with substitute libero Shibayama solidify his grasp of defensive collaboration. Post-high school, he models alongside his sister Alisa. By 2021, they feature together on a Shibuya perfume billboard.