The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t only a end to the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration on the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes inside a enthusiast-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Alternatively, spectators gathered across the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Arranged with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Edition of the sport, the place community, competition, and relationship had been the main target.
About the women’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re regarded Amongst the greatest in the world. In a very dramatic all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to earn another two. The deciding established arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen win in a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their publish-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The Adult males’s closing highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across 4 times of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that held admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get Component of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a valuable recruiting instant for faculty systems in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence from the Event—from superior-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of target and laughter amongst teammates. These pictures, widely shared on line, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a larger job in hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to become a designated coaching internet site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was far more than just a tournament. It Sodo66 was a statement—evidence that even in an era of massive contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.