The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up delivered a special form of magic, Mixing environment-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t only a end over the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and local heroes within a admirer-pleasant, no-frills surroundings.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators collected within the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on Beach front towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Edition of the sport, where Neighborhood, Level of competition, and connection have been the main focus.
On the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re deemed Among the many finest on the globe. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to earn another two. The deciding established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 gain inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment within their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and international events.
The Adult males’s remaining highlighted One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that retained followers on their own toes and athletes grinding through very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand with the pros. It was a unusual possibility for youth athletes being Element of An important Sodo66 volleyball event along with a useful recruiting moment for college programs in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence with the Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of emphasis and laughter amongst teammates. These images, greatly shared on line, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy in the Activity in its most genuine location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its upcoming. City leaders are Discovering a product much like Manhattan Beach front, in which the municipality could choose a larger purpose in web hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a selected coaching web-site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was a lot more than just a Match. It had been an announcement—proof that even in an period of massive contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart still beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by community.