The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up sent a Unique form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a stop about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Model of the sport, wherever Local community, competition, and relationship were being the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second of their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult males’s ultimate featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of a major volleyball function 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 Sodo66 gritty digs to silent times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its long run. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger function in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a designated coaching site with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.