The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a quit within the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As an alternative, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer Edition of the game, where by Group, Level of competition, and relationship have been the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded One of the greatest on earth. Within a dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to earn the following two. The deciding established arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–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 Global occasions.
The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Sodo66 Miles Evans to face 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 times of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in the double-elimination structure that kept lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, sun-soaked days. 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 being part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, served showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger function in web hosting the Event every year. There’s also A much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified coaching website with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.