The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t simply a quit about the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration on the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in a fan-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The occasion experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Instead, spectators collected round the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting on Beach front towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, exactly where Group, Level of competition, and link were the main focus.
Around the Women of all ages’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re regarded among the ideal on the planet. In a very dramatic all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to acquire the subsequent two. The determining established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and international occasions.
The Males’s last featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that kept lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous Sodo66 younger gamers desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting moment for faculty programs in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of concentration and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, broadly shared on the internet, helped showcase the natural beauty and intimacy with the sport in its most reliable environment.
With its success, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked discussion about its future. Metropolis leaders are Checking out a model just like Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a larger job in hosting the Match on a yearly basis. There’s also a bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected instruction web-site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even within an period of huge contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.