The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a special sort of magic, Mixing world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a end over the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes inside a enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered across the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, in which Group, Level of competition, and link were the main focus.
Around the Women of all ages’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re regarded Amongst the greatest on the planet. In a very dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to earn another two. The deciding established arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen gain in a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their post-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental events.
The men’s final showcased A further Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in numerous youthful gamers eager to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball function and also a valuable recruiting instant for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence on the Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent times of emphasis and laughter amid teammates. These photos, extensively shared online, served showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the Activity in its most genuine setting.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its upcoming. Sodo66 City leaders are Discovering a product much like Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could choose a larger position in web hosting the tournament every year. There’s also An even bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a selected training internet site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even within an period of huge contracts and world wide broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.