The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Unique form of magic, blending planet-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–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 mounting stars and native heroes in a enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills ecosystem.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to your purer Model of the game, the place Local community, Level of competition, and relationship were being the main target.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many greatest on this planet. Within a remarkable all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to earn the subsequent two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their write-up-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Intercontinental functions.
The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It had been a scarce opportunity for youth athletes for being Component of a major volleyball occasion plus a precious recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and Sodo66 laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified coaching website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.