The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open shipped a Exclusive sort of magic, Mixing planet-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 front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t merely a halt on the competitive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and local heroes in a lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer version of the game, where by Neighborhood, Competitors, and relationship had been the main focus.
Over the women’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re regarded Among the many most effective on earth. In the spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to gain another two. The selecting established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen gain in a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global situations.
The Adult men’s closing highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, profitable 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 days of Engage in, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in hundreds of young players desirous to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It absolutely was a scarce prospect for youth athletes being Component of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a precious recruiting minute for college applications in attendance.
An entire photo gallery captured the essence of the Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of focus and laughter between teammates. These photographs, extensively shared on-line, served showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the sport in its most genuine setting.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are Discovering a product similar to Manhattan Seaside, wherever the municipality could get a bigger job in hosting the tournament every year. There’s also An even bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to become a selected coaching web site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Sodo66 Open was much more than just a Event. It had been an announcement—proof that even within an period of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.