The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t only a cease to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the Activity’s origins, that includes 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, Competitors, and connection were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Among the many ideal on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s final highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, sun-soaked days. The Event also included a juniors Sodo66 division, which brought in many hundreds of youthful players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a precious recruiting second for college plans in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—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 splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could consider a bigger job in web hosting the Match yearly. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected schooling web page for that 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 massive contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart nonetheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.