The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up sent a Specific type of magic, blending world-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a end over the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes in the supporter-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators gathered within the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to the purer Edition of the game, where Local community, Opposition, and link were the main focus.
To the Ladies’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded as One of the finest on earth. In the spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring again to acquire another two. The selecting established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global situations.
The Adult males’s remaining highlighted A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former 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 net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Engage in, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of young players eager to discover, compete, and share the sand With all the pros. It absolutely Sodo66 was a scarce option for youth athletes to generally be Element of a major volleyball event as well as a important recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence with the Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of concentration and laughter amid teammates. These visuals, widely shared on-line, served showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. Metropolis leaders are exploring a design much like Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could consider a larger job in hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated education site for your 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was additional than simply a Event. It had been an announcement—evidence that even within an era of massive contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.