The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t just a quit within the competitive circuit—it was a celebration from the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and local heroes inside of a admirer-friendly, no-frills atmosphere.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators gathered across the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer Variation of the game, where by Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and relationship have been the main target.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re viewed as among the ideal on the planet. In the extraordinary all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring again to win the subsequent two. The determining established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 get inside of a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant instant in their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Worldwide activities.
The Males’s last showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Enjoy, one hundred thirty groups competed in the double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding by extended, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger players wanting to study, contend, and share the sand Using the execs. It had been a unusual chance for youth athletes to become A part of An important volleyball function as well as a beneficial recruiting instant for college courses in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence in the Event—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of emphasis and laughter among teammates. These photographs, widely shared on the web, served showcase the beauty and intimacy on the Activity in Sodo66 its most reliable location.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked discussion about its upcoming. City leaders are exploring a model just like Manhattan Seashore, where by the municipality could consider a larger position in internet hosting the Match per year. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified schooling website for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open was a lot more than just a Match. It had been an announcement—proof that even in an period of huge contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.