The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open sent a Particular style of magic, blending earth-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 close to the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in the lover-welcoming, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators gathered across the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to a purer version of the sport, where community, Opposition, and link had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to earn the following two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 earn in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental functions.
The Guys’s remaining highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore Sodo66 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 web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting instant for college applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could acquire a larger role in web hosting the Match every year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated training web page for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Group.