The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, Mixing earth-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t simply a quit to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes inside a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing inside 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 sport, where Neighborhood, Levels of competition, and relationship ended up the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded One of the greatest on earth. Within a dramatic all-USC remaining, 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 subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Gentlemen’s last showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, 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 Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young 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 function in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and Sodo66 gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the net, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could consider a larger role in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated training web page for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.