The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing environment-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t merely a halt over the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration with the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes inside of a lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered around the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Model of the game, wherever community, Opposition, and relationship were the main focus.
Over the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re thought of among the ideal in the world. Inside a remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to gain another two. The selecting set came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global activities.
The men’s remaining highlighted One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across 4 times of play, 130 groups competed in a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunshine-soaked times. The Event also included a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger players desirous to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It was a uncommon chance for youth athletes to get Component of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a important recruiting instant for school packages in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of emphasis and laughter amongst teammates. These images, greatly shared on the web, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy of your sport in its most genuine location.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Sodo66 Beach Open has sparked discussion about its upcoming. City leaders are Discovering a design comparable to Manhattan Seashore, exactly where the municipality could acquire a bigger part in internet hosting the tournament each year. There’s also A much bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected training web site for that 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was more than simply a Event. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even in an period of huge contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.