The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up delivered a Unique form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills setting.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from 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 Variation 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 Among the many most effective on the planet. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more 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, winning in straight sets, 21–14 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 inside of a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball event as well as a worthwhile recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the Sodo66 Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter between teammates. These visuals, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching internet site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.