The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Particular style of magic, blending earth-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t merely a halt over the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration of the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Instead, spectators gathered round the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Model of the game, where by Neighborhood, Opposition, and relationship had been the main target.
On the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re thought of One of the finest on earth. In a very dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to earn the subsequent two. The selecting established arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen earn in a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant of their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental events.
The Males’s last showcased A further Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 groups competed within a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a uncommon prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration and a beneficial recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence on the Match—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent times of emphasis and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, broadly shared on the internet, helped showcase the natural beauty and intimacy with the sport in its most authentic location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are Discovering a product much like Manhattan Seashore, exactly where the municipality could just take a bigger job in hosting the tournament every year. There’s also An even bigger objective Sodo66 in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a selected coaching internet site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was far more than simply a Match. It had been an announcement—evidence that even in an era of big contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart continue to beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Group.