The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open sent a special kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer Variation of the game, in which Neighborhood, Levels of competition, and relationship ended up the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded One of the very best on the planet. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Gentlemen’s last showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, 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 4 times of Enjoy, a hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of lengthy, Sunshine-soaked days. The Match also provided a juniors division, which brought in hundreds of youthful gamers desirous to understand, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon opportunity Sodo66 for youth athletes to get part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of emphasis and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a design similar to Manhattan Beach, where the municipality could choose a bigger position in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching internet site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of big contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.