The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Unique form of magic, Mixing entire world-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Local community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t simply a prevent over the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration on the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and local heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Instead, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Arranged with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer version of the sport, where by Group, Competitors, and link ended up the main focus.
On the Females’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re thought of Amongst the best on earth. Within a dramatic all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to get another two. The determining set arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 earn within a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute inside their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide situations.
The Gentlemen’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved Sodo66 way too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across four days of Perform, one hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that retained admirers on their own toes and athletes grinding through lengthy, sun-soaked days. The Event also bundled a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of youthful players desperate to discover, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It had been a unusual possibility for youth athletes to get Component of A serious volleyball occasion and a important recruiting minute for college systems in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence in the Event—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentration and laughter amongst teammates. These visuals, extensively shared on the net, helped showcase the splendor and intimacy from the sport in its most genuine placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked discussion about its future. City leaders are Discovering a design just like Manhattan Seashore, wherever the municipality could choose a bigger role in web hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated coaching web site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.