The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up shipped a Particular type of magic, Mixing planet-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes within a admirer-welcoming, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Seashore 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, the place Local community, competition, and connection were being the main target.
Over the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re deemed One of the very best on earth. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead 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 put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Guys’s final highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that retained admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of young players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare possibility for youth athletes to get Component of A serious volleyball occasion as well as a precious recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence with the Sodo66 Match—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of focus and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Discovering a design much like Manhattan Beach, where by the municipality could choose a bigger part in internet hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated schooling web-site for that 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was much more than simply a Match. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an era of massive contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.