The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up sent a Unique style of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a stop about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a enthusiast-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected within the courts, standing in the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, competition, and connection were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on this planet. In the remarkable all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back to win another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win inside of 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 men’s ultimate showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Sodo66 Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the professionals. It had been a exceptional opportunity for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball event along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Beach, where the municipality could take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected education internet site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a Match. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.