Shōyō Hinata discovered volleyball after watching the "Small Giant" play for Karasuno High School. Inspired despite his short stature and lack of experience, he formed a junior high team only to suffer a crushing defeat against Kitagawa Daiichi, where he first met Tobio Kageyama. This loss drove him to enroll at Karasuno High to improve. Hinata possesses a cheerful, energetic, and observant personality. He easily connects with others through genuine enthusiasm, befriending individuals like Kenma Kozume and Takanobu Aone. His straightforward nature helps cut through insecurities, as when he encouraged Hitoka Yachi. Early in high school, he experienced intense pre-match anxiety causing stomach issues and frequent bathroom visits. He gradually developed better coping mechanisms, though nervousness remained. Academically, he struggled, rarely scoring in double digits without intensive tutoring due to his singular focus on volleyball. Initially standing at 162.8 cm, he grew to 164.2 cm during his first year. His compact build and orange hair often led to mistaken assumptions. He compensated for height with exceptional jumping power, speed, and stamina, noted by opponents like Wakatoshi Ushijima. His natural athleticism allowed him to survey the entire court mid-jump and anticipate opponents. His volleyball skills evolved significantly. Starting reliant on instinct and athleticism as a middle blocker, his partnership with Kageyama produced the startling "quick attack." They later developed the "minus tempo quick," granting Hinata greater spiking control. He earned the moniker "Ultimate Decoy" for distracting blockers and creating opportunities for teammates. Key developments happened during training camps and tournaments. After sneaking into the Shiratorizawa camp, he served as a ball boy, studying advanced techniques and honing observation. Overtraining led to exhaustion and collapse during the Nationals match against Kamomedai, forcing him to acknowledge the need for sustainable growth. Post-graduation, Hinata played beach volleyball in Brazil for two years. This addressed technical weaknesses, improved conditioning, and expanded strategic understanding. He learned Portuguese through interactions with his roommate Pedro and watching dubbed anime. Returning to Japan, he joined the MSBY Black Jackals as an opposite hitter. Later, he played for Asas São Paulo in the Brazil Super League, wearing jersey number 21. His rivalry with Kageyama continued professionally, their recorded matches totaling 2,196 games by Hinata's 1,096th win. He has a younger sister, Natsu, who pursued volleyball at Niiyama Girls' High. His journey reflects a shift from emulating the Small Giant to embracing his unique role elevating his team through relentless energy and adaptability.