The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up sent a Unique style of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Event wasn’t simply a quit to the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to your purer Model of the sport, the place Local community, Level of competition, and relationship were being the main target.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on this planet. In the remarkable all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to win another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global occasions.
The Adult males’s closing featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across 4 times of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination format that saved lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of prolonged, Sunshine-soaked days. The Match also integrated a juniors division, which brought in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It had been a exceptional prospect for youth athletes to get Portion of A significant volleyball occasion along with a beneficial recruiting instant for school applications in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, widely shared on the web, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Sodo66 Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are exploring a product just like Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger function in web hosting the Event every year. There’s also A much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified coaching website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.