The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open sent a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Local community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this 12 months’s tournament wasn’t simply a halt to the competitive circuit—it was a celebration of the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes in a very supporter-friendly, no-frills atmosphere.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As an alternative, spectators collected round the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Arranged with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to the purer Edition of the sport, wherever Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and connection ended up the main target.
Within the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re deemed Amongst the ideal on earth. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to get the following two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in many youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the execs. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of a major volleyball occasion and also a important recruiting moment for college plans in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Sodo66 Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, where by the municipality could acquire a bigger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified coaching website for the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.