The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Specific style of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in a very fan-friendly, no-frills environment.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered round the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to the purer version of the sport, where Neighborhood, Competitors, and link were being the focus.
Around the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded Amongst the very best on the earth. In a dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to get the following two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in the thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global functions.
The Males’s final highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well potent, 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 four times of Participate in, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of prolonged, Sunshine-soaked times. The Match also provided a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of youthful gamers desperate to master, contend, and share the sand Together with the professionals. It had been a unusual prospect for youth athletes being Element of An important volleyball party in addition to a important recruiting minute for college applications in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence in the tournament—from significant-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of aim and laughter amid teammates. These photos, extensively shared on line, assisted showcase the beauty and intimacy of your sport in its most genuine setting.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has Sodo66 sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are Checking out a model just like Manhattan Beach front, in which the municipality could choose a larger position in web hosting the Event yearly. There’s also A much bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected training web site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was a lot more than just a tournament. It absolutely was a press release—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and international broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart still beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.