The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open sent a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a enthusiast-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had 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. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Model of the game, in which Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. Inside of a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in 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 beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball party along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your 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 Beach, where the municipality could take a bigger position in internet hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s Sodo66 also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.