The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a special form of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a quit about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely 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 environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Instead, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes 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 relationship were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Among the many finest on the globe. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to acquire the next two. The selecting established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Guys’s final highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, successful in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across four times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, sun-soaked days. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in many youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of A significant volleyball function and also a valuable recruiting moment for college plans in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of focus and laughter among teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Sodo66 Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out 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, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.