The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Unique form of magic, blending earth-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a prevent on the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration in the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes in a fan-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The occasion experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Alternatively, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, the place community, Competitors, and relationship have been the focus.
To the Females’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re viewed as Amongst the very best on the earth. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to get the following two. The deciding set arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global functions.
The Guys’s last featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former 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 much too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Engage in, a hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that saved followers on their toes and athletes grinding by means of prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in numerous younger gamers wanting to master, contend, and share the sand with the execs. It absolutely was a scarce option for youth athletes to generally be part of An important volleyball event Sodo66 and a beneficial recruiting moment for college courses in attendance.
A complete photo gallery captured the essence of your Match—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of emphasis and laughter amongst teammates. These pictures, greatly shared on the net, aided showcase the attractiveness and intimacy of the sport in its most genuine location.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked conversation about its foreseeable future. Town leaders are exploring a design just like Manhattan Seashore, where the municipality could get a bigger job in web hosting the tournament yearly. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified schooling website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was much more than just a Event. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.