The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Unique 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 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, wherever Group, competition, and relationship were being the main target.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re viewed as Among the many greatest on this planet. Within a dramatic all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established arrived 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 following AVP and international gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s final showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional opportunity for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball event as well as a worthwhile recruiting instant for faculty courses in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, commonly shared on line, served showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a design just like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could consider a bigger job in internet hosting the Match yearly. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching internet site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Sodo66 front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.