The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a special sort of magic, blending planet-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t simply a halt over the competitive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes in the supporter-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The celebration had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered within the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Arranged with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer Variation of the game, the place Group, Level of competition, and connection had been the main focus.
To the Women of all ages’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re regarded Among the many most effective on the planet. In a very dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to earn the following two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 earn in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide activities.
The Males’s remaining highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area Sodo66 off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout 4 times of Engage in, 130 groups competed inside of a double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of young players eager to find out, compete, and share the sand Along with the professionals. It had been a unusual possibility for youth athletes being Element of An important volleyball party and a valuable recruiting instant for faculty systems in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from superior-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of concentration and laughter amongst teammates. These images, broadly shared on-line, aided showcase the beauty and intimacy of your sport in its most reliable environment.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach front, in which the municipality could acquire a bigger role in internet hosting the Match on a yearly basis. There’s also a bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a selected training internet site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was far more than just a tournament. It absolutely was a press release—proof that even in an period of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.