The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open sent a Particular kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a end on the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes within a admirer-helpful, no-frills atmosphere.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Edition of the game, in which Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re deemed One of the very best on earth. Inside 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 end. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach 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 much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes being Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting instant for college applications in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among the teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy on the sport 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 much like Manhattan Beach, where the municipality could take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the tournament yearly. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching web-site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of big contracts and world broadcasts, Sodo66 Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.