The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Distinctive style of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a quit within the competitive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and local heroes in a very lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators collected round the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on Beach front towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, where community, Competitors, and relationship have been the main target.
About the Ladies’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re regarded as Among the many very best on the globe. In the extraordinary all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back again to earn another two. The selecting established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 acquire in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second within their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Worldwide activities.
The Guys’s last featured An additional 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 impressive, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Across 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that saved enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, Sunlight-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand While using the execs. It was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A serious volleyball celebration and a Sodo66 worthwhile recruiting second for college plans in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of target and laughter among teammates. These images, greatly shared on the net, assisted showcase the beauty and intimacy of your sport in its most reliable setting.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. City leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a larger job in hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified schooling website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was far more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart still beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by community.