The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Exclusive type of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Model of the game, the place Local community, Levels of competition, and relationship ended up the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re regarded One of the very best on earth. Inside a dramatic 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 twenty–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 An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up Sodo66 with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Throughout 4 times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination format that saved supporters on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunlight-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger players wanting to understand, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It absolutely was a scarce opportunity for youth athletes for being Section of A serious volleyball celebration and also a worthwhile recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence on the Match—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of concentrate and laughter among teammates. These visuals, commonly shared on the web, assisted showcase the beauty and intimacy of your sport in its most reliable environment.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked discussion about its upcoming. City leaders are Discovering a product similar to Manhattan Seaside, where by the municipality could get a bigger role in hosting the Match per year. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified teaching website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up was additional than simply a Match. It had been an announcement—proof that even in an era of massive contracts and international broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart continue to beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by community.