The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a special form of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a stop about 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 inside a lover-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Model of the game, the place Neighborhood, Levels of competition, and relationship ended up 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. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult men’s ultimate showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The Sodo66 tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared online, helped showcase the beauty and intimacy from 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 product 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 aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was additional than just a tournament. It absolutely was a statement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nonetheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.