The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a special sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in a very fan-friendly, no-frills ecosystem.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered around the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where Group, Competitors, and connection were the main target.
Over the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many finest on the earth. In a very remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get the next two. The choosing established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 earn inside of a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The Guys’s final highlighted A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Sodo66 Evans proved way too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Participate in, a hundred thirty groups competed inside of a double-elimination structure that saved followers on their toes and athletes grinding via long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of young players eager to discover, contend, and share the sand Along with the execs. It had been a unusual possibility for youth athletes being Component of An important volleyball celebration in addition to a worthwhile recruiting second for faculty applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the web, aided showcase the elegance and intimacy with the sport in its most genuine placing.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked discussion about its future. City leaders are Discovering a design just like Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could just take a bigger part in hosting the tournament each year. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a designated instruction web-site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was a lot more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.