The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Particular style of magic, blending earth-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease 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 admirer-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected within the courts, standing in 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, wherever Group, competition, and connection were being the main target.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded Among the many 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 following AVP and international situations.
The Gentlemen’s last showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger Sodo66 teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online 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 supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which brought in numerous youthful gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand While using the pros. It had been a unusual option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a design similar to Manhattan Beach, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was extra than just a tournament. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.