Yūdai Hyakuzawa, a first-year wing spiker for Kakugawa High School’s volleyball team, stands at 201.2 cm (6'7") with a weight of 88.2 kg. A former middle school baseball player, he transitioned to volleyball just six months before the Miyagi Prefecture’s Spring High Preliminary tournament. His imposing height and natural power quickly established him as a formidable presence, though his reliance on physicality masked tactical inexperience. During Kakugawa’s clash with Karasuno, witnessing Shoyo Hinata’s technical precision and adaptability exposed the flaws in his approach, driving him to seek mentorship from seniors and reevaluate his strategy. At the Miyagi Prefecture’s first-year training camp, Hyakuzawa faltered against peers with polished fundamentals. Weak receptions and limited tactical awareness eroded his confidence until Hinata’s guidance on rhythm-based techniques reignited his resolve. He dedicated himself to expanding his defensive range and spatial awareness during open-toss drills, gradually enhancing his contributions in matches despite lingering inconsistencies in accuracy. Hyakuzawa’s high school career featured the spring tournament qualifiers, where his 347 cm spike reach solidified his reputation. Though Kakugawa exited early, rivals like Karasuno’s captain acknowledged his latent potential. Post-graduation, he joined Division 1’s Daitetsu Warriors as a middle blocker, honing serves, blocks, and receptions to ascend as a national team member by the Tokyo Olympics, transforming from a raw prospect into a versatile athlete. His growth intertwined with Hinata’s influence. After their initial match, he analyzed Karasuno’s tactics via tablet, integrating observed strategies into his play. At camp, Hinata’s emphasis on adaptability and teamwork further reshaped his mindset. Hyakuzawa’s quiet dedication and respect for technical mastery contrasted his towering frame, marking his evolution from a height-dependent novice to a disciplined competitor. Hailing from a speculated connection to Aomori Prefecture—his surname possibly linked to Hyakuzawa Onsen—he favors yakisoba and carried concerns over reception skills into his pro career. By the 2021 Olympics, his stats mirrored balanced growth: spikes (10), blocks (9), and receptions (6), reflecting relentless efforts to transcend early limitations.