The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a special sort of magic, blending entire world-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t merely a prevent on the competitive circuit—it was a celebration from the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes inside a lover-helpful, no-frills environment.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seashore towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to some purer Model of the sport, exactly where Local community, Levels of competition, and relationship had been the focus.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re regarded as One of the ideal on this planet. In the dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring 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 minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved followers on their own toes and athletes grinding through extended, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also included a juniors division, which introduced in numerous youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand Using the pros. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball party in addition to a worthwhile recruiting moment for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a design similar to Manhattan Beach, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified education internet site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was a lot more Sodo66 than just a Event. It was a statement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.