The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up delivered a special form of magic, Mixing planet-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 Match wasn’t simply a quit about 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 event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected within the courts, standing in the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned into a purer Model of the game, the place Local community, Level of competition, and relationship were being the main target.
To the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get the next two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also potent, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 Sodo66 times of Perform, a hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, Sunlight-soaked days. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in many young players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get part of a major volleyball function and also a important recruiting moment for college plans in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from superior-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 attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified education web site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply 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.