The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a stop about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration with the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in a very fan-friendly, no-frills atmosphere.
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 Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Edition of the game, in which Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re regarded One of the greatest on earth. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring again 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. Former NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of lengthy, 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 absolutely was a uncommon prospect for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration and a useful recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much 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 alone to become a designated schooling web page for that 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even in an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart still beats strongest during Sodo66 the sand, surrounded by Local community.