ayako

Ayako serves as the team manager and is the object of Ryota's affections. She is strong-willed, somewhat tomboyish, and good-natured. Initially, Ayako does not return Ryota's feelings, which she is aware of, and this remains true until the series concludes. She plays a crucial role in enhancing Hanamichi's skills for actual games by teaching him fundamentals like ball control and dribbling. Her approach to discipline strikes a balance between that of Akagi and Anzai—she is not as lenient as Anzai but also not as strict as Akagi. Her last name is unknown. Interestingly, Hanamichi treats her with nearly as much respect as he does Anzai, despite her lower position on the team, possibly due to his general respect for women. Ryota affectionately calls her "Aya-chan," while she addresses him simply as "Ryota" instead of using his surname. (Source: Wikipedia)