The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open delivered a Specific form of magic, blending world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this yr’s Event wasn’t only a stop to the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes within a enthusiast-friendly, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected across the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer version of the sport, where by Group, Opposition, and link had been the focus.
Around the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best on the planet. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring 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 earn in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental functions.
The Guys’s remaining highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in many youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of a major volleyball function and also a important recruiting moment for college plans in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among the teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Sodo66 sport in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a design much like Manhattan Beach, where the municipality could take 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 to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It had been a statement—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and global broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.