The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open sent a Particular kind of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Local community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t simply a halt over the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration of the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes in the enthusiast-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to your purer Variation of the sport, the place Group, Competitors, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the globe. In a remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back to win the next two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen get inside a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant instant within their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide situations.
The Adult men’s final highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too effective, successful in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across four days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a double-elimination format that retained admirers on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of long, Sunshine-soaked times. The Match also provided a juniors division, which introduced in countless youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It had been a uncommon chance for youth athletes for being Section of a major volleyball event and a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These visuals, greatly shared online, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy from the sport in its most authentic location.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats Sodo66 strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.