The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Particular style of magic, blending earth-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration in the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where by Group, competition, and connection were being the main target.
Over the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re deemed One of the very best on the planet. Inside a extraordinary all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st 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 20–18 earn in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental functions.
The Guys’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous 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, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of young players wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a valuable recruiting second for college Sodo66 plans in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger function in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated training site with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a press release—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.