The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Unique style of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along 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 merely a stop within the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and native heroes inside of a fan-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The party experienced 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, wherever Local community, competition, and relationship were being the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re thought of Among the many ideal on the earth. In the 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 another 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 minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed Sodo66 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 made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four times of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved followers on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger 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 event as well as a worthwhile recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These visuals, widely shared online, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could choose a bigger function in internet hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated schooling web page for that 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Event. It was a press release—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.