The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open delivered a Exclusive type of magic, Mixing world-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t only a halt around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in a very admirer-pleasant, no-frills surroundings.
The occasion experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators collected across the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to some purer version of the game, where Group, Level of competition, and link were the main focus.
Within the Ladies’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re considered One of the most effective on earth. Inside of a dramatic all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to earn another two. The selecting established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global activities.
The Gentlemen’s ultimate showcased A further Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front 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 strong, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding by prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also provided a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the pros. It absolutely was a scarce option for youth athletes to be Portion of a major volleyball event as well as a worthwhile recruiting minute for school plans in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from significant-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of target and laughter among teammates. These images, greatly shared on the web, helped showcase the beauty and intimacy with the Sodo66 sport in its most authentic placing.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach front Open has sparked conversation about its upcoming. City leaders are Discovering a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, the place the municipality could take a larger purpose in web hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to become a designated education web page with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was extra than simply a Event. It had been an announcement—proof that even in an period of huge contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.