The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up delivered a Unique style of magic, blending earth-course athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t only a end about the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration on the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in the enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills environment.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators gathered across the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer version of the game, where community, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Females’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re thought of Amongst the finest in the world. Inside a dramatic all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to acquire the following two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second within their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and international events.
The Adult males’s closing highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed within a double-elimination structure that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare possibility for youth athletes being A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on line, served showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the Sodo66 municipality could acquire a bigger part in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected education internet site for your 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 world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.