The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Particular style of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt to the competitive circuit—it was a celebration with the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills setting.
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 Seashore towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to some purer Edition of the game, exactly where Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back 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 gain in the 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 Guys’s final highlighted An additional 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 powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen 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 Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed within 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 desirous to find out, compete, and share the sand With all the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes being A part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a valuable recruiting second for college packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy on the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in Sodo66 hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified education web site for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nonetheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by community.