The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Group. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t only a end to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes in the supporter-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. In its place, spectators gathered within the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, Level of competition, and connection ended up the main focus.
About the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re deemed One of the ideal on the globe. In a extraordinary all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 gain in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide functions.
The Guys’s last showcased another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across four 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 days. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration and a useful recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, broadly shared on the net, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most authentic environment.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Sodo66 Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.