The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open delivered a special form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t just a end over the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes in a very lover-helpful, no-frills atmosphere.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. As a substitute, spectators collected round the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer version of the sport, exactly where Local community, Levels of competition, and connection ended up the main target.
Over the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded among the ideal in the world. In the extraordinary all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to gain another two. The selecting established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn inside of a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant instant in their article-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The men’s last featured 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 in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Throughout four days of play, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination structure that retained enthusiasts on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Sunshine-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers desperate to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a uncommon prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a valuable recruiting moment for college applications in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the tournament—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of target and laughter among teammates. These images, commonly shared on the internet, helped showcase the magnificence and intimacy in the Activity in its most genuine location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its future. Metropolis leaders are Checking out Sodo66 a model just like Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could choose a larger purpose in hosting the tournament per year. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected instruction web page for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a Event. It absolutely was a press release—evidence that even in an era of big contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.