The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up sent a Particular kind of magic, blending environment-course athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt on the competitive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in the lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators collected round the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Edition of the sport, in which community, competition, and link were the focus.
Over the Ladies’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re viewed as among the ideal on earth. In a very dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to get the following two. The determining established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen earn inside of a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant instant of their write-up-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global gatherings.
The Adult males’s closing highlighted One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well powerful, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Across 4 times of Engage in, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that saved enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, sun-soaked days. The Match also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players desirous to master, contend, and share the sand With all the execs. It absolutely was a scarce chance for youth athletes being A part of a major volleyball event as well as a useful recruiting moment for faculty programs in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence from the Event—from significant-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of aim and laughter between teammates. These illustrations or photos, commonly shared on the internet, helped showcase the beauty and intimacy with the sport in its most genuine location.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked discussion about its long term. Metropolis leaders are Checking out a model just like Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could get a larger purpose in web hosting the tournament per year. Sodo66 There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to become a designated education web page for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a Event. It absolutely was a statement—evidence that even within an period of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart even now beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Local community.