The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–seven near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes within a admirer-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting on Beach front towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Organized with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Model of the game, where Group, Level of competition, and link were the main focus.
Around the Women of all ages’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re thought of among the finest on earth. Inside of a dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to gain the next two. The deciding established arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen gain in a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their publish-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and international occasions.
The Males’s final showcased A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the Sodo66 unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of extended, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers desirous to master, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It was a unusual possibility for youth athletes being Element of An important volleyball party and a valuable recruiting moment for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of focus and laughter among teammates. These images, greatly shared on line, aided showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Seaside, where by the municipality could get a bigger role in hosting the Match annually. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a specified schooling website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was far more than simply a Match. It had been a statement—proof that even within an period of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.