The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up sent a Particular style of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event 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 increasing stars and local heroes in the supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. As a substitute, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on Seaside 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 community, Opposition, and connection have been the main target.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on this planet. Within a remarkable all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back to win another two. The choosing set arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The Males’s closing featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well impressive, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that held admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of young players wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of target and laughter among teammates. These visuals, greatly shared online, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy from the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger position in web hosting the Match every year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa Sodo66 is actively positioning alone to become a designated schooling web page for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.