The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing earth-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a end over the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes inside a enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills setting.
The celebration had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Alternatively, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Beach front towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Edition of the sport, the place Neighborhood, Competitors, and relationship ended up the focus.
To the Females’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as Among the many best on the earth. In a remarkable all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back to get the subsequent two. The determining established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 get within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their publish-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s ultimate showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that stored enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers wanting to master, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Portion of A serious volleyball celebration and also a worthwhile recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent times of emphasis and laughter amongst teammates. These images, commonly shared on the web, helped showcase the natural beauty and intimacy with the sport in its most reliable setting.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are Discovering a product similar to Manhattan Seashore, where the municipality could just take a bigger function in internet hosting the Match annually. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a selected training web site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up was far more than just a Match. It was a statement—evidence that even within an Sodo66 era of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart still beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.