The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Exclusive type of magic, blending environment-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a quit about the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in the supporter-welcoming, no-frills surroundings.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered across the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Edition of the game, in which Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best on the planet. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get the next two. The determining set arrived 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 last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned 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–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of extensive, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth Sodo66 athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for school 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 amid teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a design just like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could consider a bigger job in internet hosting the tournament yearly. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching internet site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of big contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.