The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a special form of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a stop within the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes in the enthusiast-welcoming, no-frills natural environment.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front 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.
To the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on this planet. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to win another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second of their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The Adult males’s ultimate featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality Sodo66 at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, 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 Along with the execs. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball party and a useful recruiting minute for college applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence of the Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of focus and laughter amid teammates. These pictures, greatly shared on the web, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy of your sport in its most genuine location.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a design similar to Manhattan Beach, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected education internet site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was much 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 however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.