The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, blending entire world-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t merely a halt over the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration on the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes inside of a lover-helpful, no-frills setting.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered round the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on Beach front towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Arranged with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, where Neighborhood, Competitors, and connection ended up the main target.
On the Females’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as One of the ideal on the planet. In a very dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to get the subsequent two. The selecting established arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen gain inside a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second of their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global events.
The men’s final Sodo66 showcased another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too strong, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Across four days of play, one hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that retained followers on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players desirous to understand, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It had been a scarce possibility for youth athletes to get A part of a major volleyball occasion as well as a worthwhile recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence with the tournament—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of focus and laughter between teammates. These pictures, greatly shared on the net, assisted showcase the elegance and intimacy of the Activity in its most authentic location.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. City leaders are Checking out a model just like Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could acquire a bigger position in web hosting the tournament every year. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified education site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a Event. It had been an announcement—evidence that even within an era of massive contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.