The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, blending planet-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this year’s Event wasn’t simply a quit about the competitive circuit—it was a celebration of the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and local heroes within a admirer-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The celebration had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. In its place, spectators gathered within the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to the purer Edition of the sport, where Neighborhood, Competitors, and link ended up the main target.
To the Ladies’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re regarded as Among the many most effective on the planet. Within a spectacular all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to acquire the subsequent two. The determining established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The Adult males’s remaining highlighted One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too highly effective, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed in the double-elimination structure that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand Using the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a valuable recruiting moment for faculty programs in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured Sodo66 the essence with the Match—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of target and laughter amongst teammates. These pictures, widely shared online, served showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the sport in its most genuine location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked dialogue about its foreseeable future. Town leaders are exploring a design similar to Manhattan Seaside, where the municipality could just take a bigger function in internet hosting the Event yearly. There’s also A much bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to become a designated education site for your 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was additional than simply a Match. It had been an announcement—proof that even in an period of massive contracts and global broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart continue to beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.