The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up delivered a special form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–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 in a enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, competition, and connection were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Among the many finest on the earth. In a very remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get the next two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well impressive, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which brought in numerous youthful gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important 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 target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, commonly shared on line, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could consider a larger job in web hosting the Match yearly. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected schooling web-site Sodo66 to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.