The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up sent a Particular style of magic, blending planet-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t simply a stop within the competitive circuit—it was a celebration from the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes inside a enthusiast-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Rather, spectators collected round the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on Beach front towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to the purer Model of the sport, the place community, competition, and link were the main focus.
On the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as Among the many best on the earth. In a remarkable all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to acquire the subsequent two. The selecting established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 get within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The Adult males’s remaining showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too impressive, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that kept lovers on their own 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 find out, compete, and share the sand While using the execs. It was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes being Element of An important volleyball event along with a useful recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from significant-flying spikes and gritty Sodo66 digs to quiet times of emphasis and laughter amid teammates. These photos, extensively shared on-line, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy in the Activity in its most genuine location.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a larger job in hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified schooling website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up was additional than simply a Event. It had been a press release—evidence that even in an era of big contracts and international broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart still beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by community.