The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Specific form of magic, Mixing earth-class athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t just a end on the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. In its place, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on Beach front towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to your purer Model of the game, in which Group, Opposition, and link have been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re considered One of the ideal in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to gain another two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of Sodo66 their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Intercontinental functions.
The Adult males’s ultimate showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus 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 web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across four times of Participate in, 130 teams competed in the double-elimination format that saved followers on their toes and athletes grinding through extensive, Solar-soaked times. The Event also bundled a juniors division, which introduced in many youthful players eager to find out, compete, and share the sand With all the professionals. It was a uncommon chance for youth athletes to become Component of An important volleyball event along with a valuable recruiting minute for college courses in attendance.
A complete Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy from the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger role in web hosting the tournament yearly. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated schooling web-site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nonetheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.