The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Particular sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September four–7 close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s tournament wasn’t just a end on the competitive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and local heroes inside of a fan-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. In its place, spectators gathered within the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer Edition of the game, exactly where Neighborhood, Competitors, and link were being the main focus.
On the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re thought of One of the finest on earth. In a very spectacular all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to acquire the subsequent two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a Sodo66 triumphant instant inside their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across four days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding by extensive, sun-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers wanting to study, contend, and share the sand with the execs. It absolutely was a scarce option for youth athletes to be A part of A significant volleyball occasion along with a beneficial recruiting moment for faculty systems in attendance.
A complete photo gallery captured the essence of the Event—from significant-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of concentrate and laughter among the teammates. These visuals, broadly shared on-line, served showcase the splendor and intimacy in the Activity in its most authentic environment.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked discussion about its future. City leaders are Discovering a design just like Manhattan Beach front, in which the municipality could acquire a bigger function in internet hosting the Match yearly. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified schooling web site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was much more than just a Event. It had been an announcement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.