The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open sent a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament 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 rising stars and local heroes in the supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered around the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Model of the sport, the place Local community, Level of competition, and relationship were being the main target.
Around the Females’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re deemed One of the very best on the planet. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Gentlemen’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball event as well as a worthwhile recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, assisted showcase the natural beauty and intimacy on the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are exploring a product just like Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a larger purpose in hosting the tournament per year. There’s also a bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be Sodo66 a selected coaching web-site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was much more than just a Event. It absolutely was a press release—evidence that even in an era of massive contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.