The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing environment-course athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t merely a stop within the competitive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in a very admirer-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The celebration had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Instead, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Model of the sport, the place community, Competitors, and link had been the main focus.
Within the women’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re regarded Amongst the very best on the globe. Within a spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to earn another two. The selecting established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win inside of a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance Sodo66 heading into the next AVP and Intercontinental events.
The Adult males’s closing highlighted One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too impressive, successful in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Participate in, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that retained supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a valuable recruiting instant for faculty systems in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of focus and laughter among teammates. These visuals, greatly shared on the internet, helped showcase the natural beauty and intimacy with the sport in its most reliable setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are Discovering a product similar to Manhattan Seaside, where the municipality could just take a bigger part in internet hosting the Event yearly. There’s also A much bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected instruction web page for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was a lot more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even within an period of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.