The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Exclusive type of magic, blending environment-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a stop within the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes inside of a fan-friendly, no-frills setting.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators collected within the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer Edition of the sport, wherever Neighborhood, Opposition, and connection have been the focus.
To the Girls’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re viewed as among the finest on earth. In a very extraordinary all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to acquire another two. The selecting established arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 get in the thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant minute of their write-up-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global gatherings.
The Adult men’s remaining featured An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off against 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 net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout four days of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger players eager to discover, compete, and share the sand Together with the professionals. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to be Portion of A significant volleyball function plus a precious recruiting minute for school courses in attendance.
An entire Sodo66 Photograph gallery captured the essence of the Match—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of aim and laughter amid teammates. These pictures, greatly shared on the web, helped showcase the magnificence and intimacy in the Activity in its most reliable setting.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Beach front Open has sparked discussion about its upcoming. City leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, in which the municipality could acquire a bigger purpose in web hosting the Event annually. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a selected coaching web site to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up was extra than simply a Event. It had been an announcement—proof that even within an era of big contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.