The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a special sort of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s Match wasn’t merely a halt to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered across the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer Edition of the game, exactly where community, competition, and connection have been the main focus.
On the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered Amongst the finest in the world. Within a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to gain another two. The selecting set came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international events.
The Males’s final showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout 4 times of Perform, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in hundreds of young gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It had been a Sodo66 scarce opportunity for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting moment for college applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a model just like Manhattan Beach front, where the municipality could consider a larger job in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated instruction internet site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was a press release—proof that even within an period of big contracts and international broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Group.