The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, blending entire world-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this yr’s Event wasn’t merely a halt to the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration on the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes inside of a fan-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on Seashore 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, where by Group, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re thought of among the best on earth. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring again to acquire the next two. The selecting established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Worldwide activities.
The Guys’s ultimate featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well impressive, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across four days of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a very double-elimination format that retained lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by means of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also provided a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of youthful players desirous to find out, compete, and share the sand Together with the pros. It absolutely was a scarce option for youth athletes being Element of A serious volleyball celebration plus a valuable recruiting moment for college plans in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the net, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could consider a larger job in internet hosting the Match annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching internet 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 Sodo66 heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.