The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open sent a Unique form of magic, blending planet-class athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this year’s Event wasn’t merely a halt over the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration of the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes in the enthusiast-welcoming, no-frills ecosystem.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Rather, spectators collected across the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Edition of the sport, where Neighborhood, Competitors, and link were being the focus.
Over the Females’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re thought of One of the finest on the planet. In a very extraordinary all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to earn the subsequent two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 get inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The men’s remaining highlighted Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front 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 too highly effective, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts Sodo66 made them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across four days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through extended, Sunshine-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes being Element of An important volleyball event and a valuable recruiting instant for faculty packages in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence with the Match—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of focus and laughter among the teammates. These illustrations or photos, commonly shared on the internet, served showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the sport in its most genuine location.
With its results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are Discovering a design comparable to Manhattan Seaside, wherever the municipality could consider a larger purpose in web hosting the tournament every year. There’s also An even bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified teaching internet site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was extra than simply a Match. It was a statement—evidence that even within an period of big contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.