The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up shipped a Specific style of magic, Mixing world-course athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where Group, Competitors, and connection were the main target.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the earth. In a very spectacular all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced 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 through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers eager to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration and a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Seashore, wherever the municipality could just take a larger function in web hosting the Event every year. There’s also a bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated training web page for that 2028 Sodo66 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Group.