The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt on the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Instead, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, competition, and connection were being the main target.
Over the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many greatest on this planet. Within a dramatic all-USC final, 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 a very 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 showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding via 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 opportunity for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball event as well as a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared on line, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could consider a bigger job in internet hosting the Match yearly. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself Sodo66 to become a selected teaching web-site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.