The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Unique style of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a cease to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes inside a supporter-pleasant, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, wherever Local community, competition, and link had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to acquire the following two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen win inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult men’s ultimate featured One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead 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 effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout 4 times of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball party in addition to a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared online, served showcase the beauty and intimacy from the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, wherever the municipality could consider a larger part Sodo66 in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified education web site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—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.