The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in a very fan-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured 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.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on this planet. In the remarkable all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to win 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 article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The Adult males’s closing featured A further 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 impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional opportunity for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball event as well as a precious recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These visuals, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy from the sport in its most authentic location.
With its Sodo66 success, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Seashore, wherever the municipality could just take a larger function in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified coaching site with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.