The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up delivered a Exclusive kind of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Local community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a stop around the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration in the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes within a fan-helpful, no-frills surroundings.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered round the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer Model of the game, wherever community, Opposition, and relationship have been the main target.
Within the women’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re deemed Among the many finest on the globe. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to acquire the following two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 earn in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s final showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their toes and athletes grinding Sodo66 by way of extensive, 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 Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked dialogue about its future. City leaders are exploring a model much like Manhattan Seashore, where by the municipality could consider a larger position in web hosting the Event annually. There’s also a bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a selected instruction internet site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was a lot more than just a tournament. It was a press release—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart still beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.