The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open delivered a Distinctive type of magic, blending planet-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a quit about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Structured with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Model of the sport, in which Group, Competitors, and connection were the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered Amongst the most effective on earth. In the spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to get the following two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s last highlighted another 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 produced them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts Sodo66 on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, sun-soaked days. The Event also included 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 celebration and a beneficial recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared on line, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.