The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up shipped a special form of magic, Mixing entire world-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 quit about the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and local heroes inside of a lover-helpful, no-frills setting.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. As an alternative, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Arranged with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to the purer Edition of the sport, exactly where Local community, Levels of competition, and connection had been the main focus.
To the women’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re considered among the ideal in the world. Within a spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring again to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international occasions.
The Guys’s final highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get Element of An important volleyball event along with a worthwhile recruiting second for school plans in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence of the Event—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of concentrate and laughter among teammates. These images, greatly shared on the net, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy of the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked conversation about its upcoming. City leaders are Discovering a design just like Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could acquire a bigger role in hosting the Match on a yearly basis. There’s also a bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a specified training web site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was a Sodo66 lot more than just a Event. It absolutely was a press release—evidence that even in an era of massive contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.