The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Specific type of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–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 the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a enthusiast-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Instead, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the game, where community, Competitors, and connection were the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the globe. In a very spectacular all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second of their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global occasions.
The Adult males’s ultimate featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too powerful, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding by way of extensive, sun-soaked Sodo66 days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which brought in many young players desirous to master, contend, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a uncommon prospect for youth athletes to generally be Portion of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, broadly shared on the net, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Beach, where the municipality could take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected education internet site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.