The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t simply a stop around the competitive circuit—it was a celebration of the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes within a admirer-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Structured with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to the purer Edition of the sport, the place community, Competitors, and relationship had been the main focus.
On the Gals’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded as Amongst the greatest in the world. Within a spectacular all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to win another two. The deciding established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen get inside a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult males’s ultimate highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination structure that saved enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, Solar-soaked times. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in many young players desirous to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of your tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst Sodo66 teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on-line, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy from the Activity in its most reliable setting.
With its results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, where by the municipality could acquire a bigger part in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a Match. It was a press release—evidence 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.