The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open sent a Distinctive type of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a end on the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in the lover-welcoming, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Rather, spectators gathered across the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer Edition of the game, exactly where Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link ended up the focus.
To 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. In a extraordinary 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 choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide situations.
The Adult men’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 times of Engage in, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, sun-soaked days. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in many youthful players desirous to master, compete, and share the sand With all the execs. It absolutely was a rare possibility for youth athletes being part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a valuable recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on Sodo66 the net, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product just like Manhattan Seashore, in which the municipality could get a larger part in internet hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.