The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open sent a Unique form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–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 from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a enthusiast-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected within the courts, standing in the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, competition, and connection were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Among the many finest on the earth. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire within a thrilling complete. The victory Sodo66 marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 groups competed in a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, 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 While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to become Portion of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Beach, exactly where the municipality could take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the tournament yearly. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching web-site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.