The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s Match wasn’t merely a prevent over the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration in the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in a very supporter-pleasant, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered 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, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to earn the following two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous 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 strong, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held fans on Sodo66 their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The 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.
An entire 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, greatly shared online, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of 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 model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part 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 Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.