The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up shipped a Distinctive kind of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t merely a end about the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a very lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered within the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Edition of the sport, wherever Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and relationship had been the main focus.
Over the Females’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as One of the greatest on the globe. Inside of a remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to win another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in a very thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global activities.
The Males’s final highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across four days of Participate in, a hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that saved lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of extensive, sun-soaked days. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of youthful gamers desperate to learn, contend, and share the sand Together with the professionals. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to be Portion of A significant volleyball function as well as a useful recruiting moment for Sodo66 school plans in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared online, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy from the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Town leaders are Discovering a model much like Manhattan Seashore, where by the municipality could just take a bigger job in web hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart continue to beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.