The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Specific kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered across the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Model of the sport, wherever Local community, Level of competition, and connection had been the focus.
To the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re considered Amongst the finest on the globe. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global occasions.
The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that saved followers on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand While using the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball event along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared on line, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about Sodo66 its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could consider a larger job in web hosting the Match yearly. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a specified schooling web page for that 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was a lot more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.